Oh yes, everyone first women in the kitchen being the keeper of the flame....

I put myself to sleep counting ways to spend a PowerBALL jackpot I might win and those ways are how NOT TO BE ALONE life quality extension delaying the ultimate slumber of the grave

Boy you always drop heavy things that require a lot of thought.

First thing I saw was the word “sometimes”. Sometimes alone and with other(s) is normal for most and myself included? Items 1, 2, 3 yes. As I’ve gained age and experience 4 is less of a concern. With 5, I don’t want someone who shares all my interests. Being around someone with different interests is how one grows. 6 has been a given. 7 has been the story of my life even when I was in a relationship. In fact we both strived for this and made a big effort to do things apart. It made us appreciate one another. 8 is like 7 but with sound. For me that sound becomes writing. Lots and lots of notes. Even in the middle of the night. 9 and 10 (and some of the others seem directed at people who are not alone.

My relationships have not been like most and alone time was critical for 2 of them. One kept us going longer than it should have. Which, in the end turned for the better – for me.

Do I enjoy my own company, you bet. But I also enjoy some things more when with another. When one has a great relationship one takes a different view of life. I have been alone for over 16 years and in different kinds of relationships the rest of the time. Not many have had the variety I have had and this has given me a better perspective of who I am.

First of all, I liked the article. It can be of good support for people that are struggling with the idea that being alone is the same as being lonely. Reviewing my own life, I remember the times that I really tried hard to belong, being part of a group where I did not belong anyway. Well, let's say, low in the pick order as I did not really belong. The wrong kind of people. I believe I must have been lonely within a pack of people. It was 50 years ago, but still an important period that helped to shape my life. Also, these experiences made me to what I am today.
After that I had several years that, after having found a fitting group, I was not lonely and felt accepted. Even as I knew I was somewhat different in my visions, I had many years of good social life. By the way these were years that were totally without religion. The only place I felt I was a deviant, was in my family. Not much, but ongoing anyway. It is actually a sad thing when that happens in a group of which I could hardly say goodbye to, and that expected all kind of social activities from me. On the other hand, a continues reminder of the fact that I was different from the others (and I am). My emigration created a comfortable distance from my family and I only have to handle it during my scarce visits. That is a piece of cake now. Here in the US I do not really have a group that I am part of. Apart from my wife there are only a few people that I have contact with. Individual contacts, not a group. But I don't feel lonely at all. Well, the Internet has helped me a lot too. Already for many years I have accepted myself as the one that I am, and others for who they are. I love my life and the way it is organized. I'm not lonely at all, even though I am alone at home most of the time. Yes, self-respect, being as open to others as I can and enjoying my life, has been the secret for me. The only thing that is hard for me to do is being a sheep like most others around me. Loving what others love, being a part of a herd. I hate masses because people lose their individuality there and are hard to communicate with. I know I'm just a guy, but for me and my wife I'm really special, and so is my wife .

Thanks for this post. The article has several good points. I need to be able to go to a movie alone without worrying about others judging me. What the article doesn't mention is being with someone else going to a movie say, and that person being disconnected from you. In that case the attempt to be sociable is dreadfully lonely.

Great article...

I write, work on music, if inspired I can paint, I am very creative so I know what to do to pick me up. There is not always music, but never tv.

I like to hike up into the hills behind where I currently live. It's a fairly rigorous trek as there are some pretty steep inclines to go up and down. So, at 68, I feel like I'm doing pretty well engaging in strenuous hiking. Also, I mountainbike, mainly on fireroads now. I prefer biking with someone, but since I moved 6 months ago, I haven't yet found a suitable riding partner; so, I go by myself. Both activities make me feel good about myself (that I can still do them), and both give me time by myself to think about things.

I am and always been a loner.

I’ve always been pretty independent and very comfortable with my own company, but I realize that one thing that makes that easy for me is that I have authentic friendships and healthy family relationships available for support when I need it. So I make the effort to get out and spend time occasionally maintaining those connections, and even seeking new ones (here, for example). It’s the fuel that makes quality alone time possible for me.

I'm never bored by myself. In fact I require a lot of time to recharge. In relationships I'm the same way. at least several times a week I get away from everyone to reflect, rest, and let mind wander. A good book, a TV show, a walk in a park, a solo trip to movies or the beach, a run, cooking something new... Doing things alone helps me remember who I am.

I like quality time with others I value, but I enjoy and even need time for myself. I spend the majority of time alone, voluntarily. It is my time to think, to reminisce, to formulate ideas and personal writings. Up until a ew years ago, I walked 3 miles every morning and my walking time my time in my own mind. I have enjoyed the outdoors alone -- fishing, hiking, exploring. One of my most pleasant memories was being on a Kansas lake at dawn alone, seeing the mist rise off the water, the sunrise, with ly radio playing classical music in the background seeing the wildlife. That is a memory that is mine alone, and I cherish it.

This one is going to sound weird because it is weird, but I enjoy taking a long hot shower in the dark while nobody is home and the only thing I can hear is the sound of the water.

Step 8 ) Talk to Yourself, reminds me of a quote I love

George Carlin — 'The reason I talk to myself is because I'm the only one whose answers I accept.'