Introverts, do you create windows of solitude throughout your day?

Yes. I am lucky; there are plenty of opportunities for solitude for me now that I live alone. I don’t always feel that way in the dead of winter, but right now, I have a great balance between social activities and time alone. Not going out to a walking group meet-up tonight because I just feel like being unscheduled and alone.

I do. I like to work alone, shop alone, drive alone, watch TV alone. If I don’t have my daughter, I will sometimes call a friend to see if she’s around for dinner, but I’m just as happy solo and free to do what I want.

If I visit someone, I am very happy to sit and read the paper or read a magazine on their couch or patio. Some may feel it’s rude to go to someone’s house and read, but people that I know well don’t mind, as it frees them up from feeling obligated to chat constantly, and it gives me a little time with myself.

Yes I do every day during lunch time!

Yup. It may not always be as long as I want, but even on the busiest days I find a way to escape from everything for a little while and spend some time alone. I guess that’s one of the few upsides to smoking. I can declare that I want to step outside for 5 minutes and it’s ok.
I always thought this was kinda bullshit for non smokers though. If they asked to go out for 5 minutes it would be laughable.

Mmhmm. Unless it’s a hella busy day.

Absolutely.

Here’s what I do: I live in a town that isn’t great for biking, but I have a grocery store, a dollar store, a coffee shop, a Super Walmart and Super Target within 5 miles of my house.

I have a bunch of good, up-tempo metal and electronica music saved into my phone. Headphones in, bike basket attached, Oh-look-I-guess-we-need-dish-soap.

Gets me anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour on my own. Today I did the long trip – up to Wal Mart – and bought some crochet thread. Good ten mile round trip.

It’s the closest thing I get to regular exercise.

Absolutely. I hang out alone in my car often. I eat lunch alone. My office at work is just me, my work, and some music — unless I’m off teaching or helping students.

I don’t even mind my two hour commute, because I’m alone.

You people are smart! I definitely need to pay more attention to my energy level. If I’m around people for too long, I get incredibly grumpy… Then, I start fights just to make them go away for five minutes.

@El_Cadejo Good point. Smokers have an advantage there. A dog that needs to be walked is similar, but recently, my sister often accompanies me when going on walks. Which is nice, but doesn’t help recharge my battery.

@Seek I need more exercise anyway…hm….

”If I’m around people for too long, I get incredibly grumpy… Then, I start fights just to make them go away for five minutes.”

@longgone: I’m right there with you.

^ I did that with my sister yesterday. I didn’t even have the energy to make up an excuse as to why I needed to be alone for a while. I just lashed out. I’ll try to pay more attention from now on…

Curious as to why this Q is directed at introverts? I create windows of solitude throughout my day, and have done for most of my life, whether it’s a few minutes with a cup of coffee away from everyone, or seeking a few hours away from all to hike with the dogs. The hardest part was when I was raising kids by myself, alone time was difficult to manage, but a 45 minute commute each way helped a lot.

^ All extroverts are welcome to answer.

What’s your definiton of an introvert, if you don’t mind me asking?

When I took the Myers Briggs (in a class setting, not online) an introvert was described as someone who gets their energy from themselves, not from others. Someone who goes to a party, talks to one person and then goes home alone, as opposed to talking to a bunch of people, and then going out with the group afterwards. They gave that description to show that not all introverts are what we think of as being loners. Some, like myself, may not appear to be shy, may enjoy a get together, but “recharge our batteries” with ourselves as opposed to others’ energy.

^ That’s the definition I’ve always heard, too. Which is why I’m assuming that, the more introverted one is, the stronger their need for solitude.

@longgone: Yes, I agree. I can see the logic of directing this q at introverts.

Yeah. Every night I take a walk for an hour or so. I live in a big city, so I generally wind up on a stoop a few blocks from my house. I just sit, sometimes I listen to audiobooks and sometimes I just soak in the silence.

If I don’t get my nightly alone time I’m cranky the next day.

^ That sounds lovely.