Why is it almost taboo to enjoy being alone?

[Guilherme Zoldan]

Well this turned into neckbeard central rather quickly. Oh wait it always was.
Don't get me wrong, its fine to be introverted, I am too. But theres a point where avoiding social interaction just becomes unhealthy and we should recognize that.
Just as we should not pat ourselves in the back and say we're better and more self-assured then extroverts just because we're different.

 

[Dangit2019]

Snip

Oh God, I understand completely. I'm pretty social during class and whatnot, but in certain situations, like lunch, I'd prefer just to sit alone while reading about apocalyptic jam.

Since I started eating alone, I've been approached by about 3 people saying "OH MA GAWD, WHY ARE YOU SO ALONE?!?!" Because I like it, for one. It helps me relax and appreciate my damn food.

As for the taboo itself, other posters have noted the illusion created through pop culture that a person's worth in life is based on how much time they spend smushing their privates together with other people, rather than any intellect or personality. It's not that being exceptionally social is a bad thing (far from it, actually), it's just not something to measure human worth by (as if there was a ultimate way to, anyway).

 

[RandV80]

My simple answer: Probably because there are more extroverts than introverts in the world and extroverts need the company of others to enjoy themselves and therefore believe this is both necessary and healthy.

 

[Dangit2019]

Well this turned into neckbeard central rather quickly. Oh wait it always was.
Don't get me wrong, its fine to be introverted, I am too. But theres a point where avoiding social interaction just becomes unhealthy and we should recognize that.
Just as we should not pat ourselves in the back and say we're better and more self-assured then extroverts just because we're different.

I'm sorry, I stopped reading at "neckbeard".

 

[DugMachine]

Don't worry about it. People who feel the need to judge others because of their social standings or willingness to fuck everything that moves aren't worth talking to anyways.

While I do have a girlfriend and friends I really do enjoy being by myself. Hell, even when my girlfriend is around I still consider it solitude as we're way past that point of always needing to be at each others side or talking.

There are introverts, extroverts and then there are people who force themselves into social situations to fit in. Don't be that person if you're not comfortable.

 

[Flames66]

I am perfectly happy to be with people. When I am out with friends or family, talking about interesting subjects or just sharing silence I can be happy and content. However, I can also be happy and content by myself and, when I am having some alone time, I hate to be disturbed. I will not answer the phone or speak more than absolutely necessary when I am busy doing things by myself.

 

[Vault101]

some people really just cannot understand it

it was interesting how yahtzee said society doesnt like introverts....extroverts and being social is generally more desirable for alot of reasons

I'm very introverted and that suits me just fine, Id much rather play videogames or work on my drawing on a saturday night than go out, being in social situations is exhausting I couldnt cope with going out everyweekend, a few years ago I felt depressed because I felt there was somthing wrong with me and I was going to fail at life if I didnt be like everyone else

I also like to enjoy a drink or two on my own...aparently this is sad, but when I got over that I realised....its fine and I havnt turned into an alchoholic yet...

I mean why do I have to enjoy alchohol under only specific circumstances?

that said though its a two way street...I may make less effort for social occasions and for that I pay the price in not really having any freinds

Well this turned into neckbeard central rather quickly. Oh wait it always was.

HAHAHA its funny because...

oh wait no..it isn't
[quote/]Don't get me wrong, its fine to be introverted, I am too. But theres a point where avoiding social interaction just becomes unhealthy and we should recognize that.[/quote]
I do agree...if your unhappy then it can add to alot of problems...but when it is or isnt a problem is hard to tell...and constantly being reminded we are defective is why some people get defensive

[quote/]Just as we should not pat ourselves in the back and say we're better and more self-assured then extroverts just because we're different.[/quote]
I think this may have something to do with the age demographic...theres a fair number of people around the age where its all "WOOO PARTY FUCK YEAH!" somthing which people kind of transition out of (not to say they get less social, it just changes) which again is related to the "theres somhign wrong with you" mentality...people just need to say "no..weire fine thanks"

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

I understand that people are meant to be around other people, but I really enjoy being by myself and be left a lone most of the time.

I do have friends that I hang out with, but I prefer reading a book or whatever without someone bothering me. I know I get crap from a few of them because I sit in the dark and drink, but never mind that I like the dark and normally sit in dim rooms since I can't tolerate bright lights for too long, and that I next to never get drunk.

I really do think that people that are extroverted don't understand why that there are people that prefer to be alone and not go out with others to have 'fun'. I stopped caring a long time ago about what others thought of my 'anti-social' tendencies since I just chalk it up to them not getting it.

 

[Kaymish]

the world seams to be controlled by extroverted people and they simply cannot understand why people prefer to be alone its not really their fault they dont want to ever try and understand introverts

 

[Mel Theofficegamergirl]

It's looked down on in capitalist societies because you're not out allowing yourself to be influenced by others to not buy shit you don't need. Don't worry about it, it's perfectly normal no matter what anyone else says, to want to be left alone.

 

[thesilentman]

I love being alone quite often too, just so I can do my own thing.

And that's /response for me. I can't enjoy being with people as 90% of them are dicks to me. Hence why I like being alone.

 

[game-lover]

Yeah, I get this issue too.

It's rather annoying to be honest.

 

[IamLEAM1983]

For every dozen people who enjoy being loners, there's a James Holmes in the throng. He's lying in wait, and once he does snap, he'll give us all nice and friendly solitude-seekers the worst name ever.

Humans are social creatures if you go by our own ethology and our anthropological observations, but being sociable works on several levels. Not everyone needs the same amount of social stimulation to feel appreciated or supported. Some people can go on for years without having deep contacts with anyone, others start getting jitters after two weeks spent without visiting someone or having someone else over for dinner.

Unfortunately, it's the latter that's considered as acceptable. Get rid of the Cho Seung-Huy's of this world and we won't have any problems on that aspect. Seeing as we can't, though, we're stuck with people thinking that if you're not Mister Rogers, you're Dexter Morgan.

Another facet of the problem is that the "loner" stereotype is getting overblown. People obsess over their Facebook status or wonder why Person X unfriended them as if it were a deep criticism of themselves as individuals, when it's not. "Being sociable" is something that's turning more and more shallow in its definition with each passing year, with meaningful contacts losing importance in favour of how MANY people you superficially know.

I'd much rather have two or three close friends and relatives than sixty Facebook "friends" I haven't done much more than to than prod them about their post-high school history.

 

[MrHide-Patten]

People can be an annoying distraction, all the activities that I find fun are usually done by myself (drawing, playing games, master... debating).

 

[MakerofMysteries]

This is where I do a little happy dance and sing hallelujah as thanks for living in Sweden.

Sure, friends and family will still nag on the introverted and asocial, but whenever you are out and about in society - say, on the bus - you can be sure that everyone will avoid social intercourse to the point that even a drunken madman will sit down quietly or be supremely ignored.

It's not that we're unfriendly or aloof, mind you. Perhaps we all just share some common, environmentally imprinted gene that causes our faces to contort in polite but mild expressions of panic whenever a stranger, no matter how well-mannered or well-dressed, tries to break the glacial ice encapsulating every individual Swede.

/national stereotypes ftw

 

[Ragland]

My sister does the same thing. When she starts yelling (which is often) and generally being an inhuman monster (again, often), and when said attitude is pointed in my direction (yes, often), her main insult is usually: "WELL, AT LEAST I HAVE FRIENDS!"

Which is usually the point I turn the argument around on her by pointing out that while it's true she has a LOT of friends, she's constantly unhappy, always in a bevy of drama, yelling and screaming and generally having a short temper about everything and everyone in particular.
I, on the other hand, am generally quite relaxed and content with my life. So while she has a lot of friends, I'm the one whose quite happy with my life.
She just calls me a freak when I point this out, however.

 

[MakerofMysteries]

I'm strange in that I love alone time and can stay away from any social interaction for months but when put in a social environment I thrive. I get the whole:

'Hey why don't you hang out with us more often?'

It's because I like to sit at home in my underwear eating bacon and playing videogames more than getting ready and going out. Effort is hard.

I tip my hat to you, sir, and twirl my moustache in a gesture of agreement from afar, as I lean back comfortably in the safety of my bunker. How pleasant it can be to nibble on fried bits of a pig's arse whilst contemplating if I might deign to grace any social gathering within the next few months.

Solitude equals serenity. People equal party-time.

 

[Iron Criterion]

According to Party Law alone time = thought crime. If you have good intentions, then you have no need to be alone. Remember, remain in front of the telescreen at times, and show your gratitude for our Dear Leader.