Introverts get energy from spending time alone. But is there such a thing as ‘too much’ solitude?

“I had told people of my intention to be alone for a time. At once I realized they looked upon this declaration as a rejection of them and their company. I felt apologetic, even ashamed, that I would have wanted such a curious thing as solitude, and then sorry that I had made a point of announcing my desire for it.â€

- Doris Grumbach

Do you recognise this feeling of rejection? Is it possible to seek solitude without others feeling like you are rejecting them? Maybe you’ve been on the other end and you feel rejected by an introverted friend who needs time alone.

If someone says ‘I can’t be there tonight because I want to just be alone’, do you worry about that person, or do you accept it as a legitimate and important reason?

How can we get the balance between honouring that need to spend time alone without getting overwhelmed and out of touch?

All of this is discussed in this week’s show.

Anthony Storr: Solitude

Brenda Knowles: The Introvert’s Love Affair with Solitude: Will It Always Be Taboo?

Juha Kaartoluoma: Balancing Social Time and Solitude: Finding Your Golden Ratio

The post #086: Social vs Solitude – What’s the Right Balance? appeared first on Sheep Dressed Like Wolves.