There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. You can be alone and not be lonely and you can be lonely and be surrounded by people. Between me and you, the latter is worse.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at events with the largest crowds and felt emotionally distant. Then, there are times that I’ve been with one special person or even by myself and felt great happiness.
I’m always amazed to meet people who feel downright uncomfortable being alone. They absolutely hate it. We all have moments when we just want someone to talk to and laugh with. That’s human nature because quite frankly, we weren’t designed to be alone. But, there comes a time when we are alone and we need to be comfortable with that as well.
For those of you out there who struggle with solitude, I’ve put together five quick tips to help you feel more at ease being by yourself.
1. Get To Know Yourself
It’s amazing how many people go through life not knowing who they are, what they like and what they stand for. Think about it. How do you learn more about someone? By spending time with them. So, what makes you think you’re any different? You want to know more about who you are? Spend time alone. Figure out what makes you happy, what makes you emotional; what you really want from life. Go for a late afternoon drive – the kind that ends with you watching a sunset. Put on your favorite song and just enjoy the moment. Really enjoy it.
2. Go To The Movies . . . Alone
Go in the middle of the day when no one else is there. You’ll feel like a millionaire who has his or her own private theatre and even better, there are no screaming kids to disrupt your movie. If sitting in a theatre all alone is not your thing (especially if it’s a horror movie), do the next best thing. Go to the movies in the evening when everyone is there. But, still go alone. You’ll have two forms of entertainment – the one on the screen and the one sitting behind you. People are funny, so you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
3. Spend Time With People You Can’t Stand
Nothing makes me want to be by myself more than a few hours spent in poor company. Have you ever gone over to that annoying relative’s house and they just got on your last nerve? You can’t imagine the feeling of relief you’ll get leaving them and walking through your front door to absolute solitude. Or imagine working in a toxic environment where people backbite all day. The last thing you’ll want to do is talk or be around someone. Enjoy those moments of quiet and alone-ness.
4. Do Online Quizzes
Have you ever seen those online psychology quizzes that help you to determine your personality type? Do them! Sure, some of them are silly, but some are legit and are very entertaining. They might also help you get to know yourself better. When I’m alone, I also love playing the Bright Side brain teasers on YouTube. Most of them are murder mystery whodunits that help you improve your detective skills. They are very addictive, so you could find yourself solving mysteries into the wee hours of the night. I put my mummy onto this game and now she can’t stop playing them on her phone. (By the way, she’d be a horrible detective. She fails every time).
5. Dance Like No One’s Watching
Do you know why you can be at home alone dancing like no one’s watching? Because no one iswatching. There’s a reason why Tom Cruise’s underwear dance in Risky Business is one of the greatest scenes in movie history. Because it’s effin fun! And that was 36 years ago. So, walk around in your underwear, throw on a button down white shirt and press play on Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock N’ Roll. When you’re done, have a big laugh.
