August 27, 2025
Learning to Love Being Alone
For many years, I hated spending time alone. Whether I was cozied up for a night at home or out for a meal, I felt the need to have a companion by my side. If my husband had to go out of town for work, I’d pack my schedule with dates with friends, not wanting to be in an empty house. But somewhere along the way, that all began to change.
As life got busier and I found myself spending more and more time with others, my introverted self began to feel drained. I craved a break from the constant hum of conversation and activity. Around the same time, my husband started a restaurant, which meant he was working every day and I was often left with long stretches of time on my own. At first, the quiet felt unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. But slowly, I began to lean into it, and to my surprise, I found I liked it. Being a creature of habit, I developed little rituals and routines with myself, and found myself looking forward to them.
My Favorite Things to Do Alone
- Grocery shopping every Sunday morning. I can listen to a podcast or audiobook as I shop the aisles, smiling at the employees I see every week.
- Walking around our quaint downtown plaza. I don’t have to keep a conversation going and can instead walk at my own pace, fully attuned to what’s going on around me.
- Watch TV. There’s no one around to roll their eyes when I turn on “Gilmore Girls” for the thousandth time to find comfort in familiar storylines.
- As a reward for getting my shopping done, I will often walk to our local craft brewery to slowly sip on a drink with nothing but my book to keep me company.
- Nothing at all. When I’m alone, I don’t feel the pressure to do something. Instead, I can just relax and do nothing.
Now, I treasure my alone time, and though I’m happy to have my husband around more now that he’s settled into his role as a restaurateur, I’m quick to seek it out when I can. What once felt like an empty space now feels like a gift: a chance to move at my own pace, to listen to my own thoughts, and to discover little rituals that bring me joy. I’ve come to realize that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. It can simply be a chance to embrace the joy of your own company. I hope that those who have also feared being alone will give themselves permission to lean into it the way I did and find that some of the sweetest moments are the ones you share with yourself.
Embrace time to yourself with our newly released Bella Grace Issue 45.
Joanna
August 28, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Oh yes! This! I love being alone too. I’ve never really minded it. But then if you have lots of family and friends it’s probably more special to have some time to just be alone to think your own thoughts and do your own things. Slowly…….😊 I am blessed with lots of people I truely do love dearly.
Gabrielle
August 28, 2025 at 6:51 pm
My husband of 20 years recently moved out and I’ve found myself with a lot more time to myself. Two of our children are older and basically independent, but our 9 year old is going back and forth, which leaves me with days at a time to myself. I really worried at first that I would feel lonely and depressed when she is gone, but I’m learning to embrace the solo time. I do make plans with friends, but I find myself leaning into the quiet time, hanging out at a coffee shop enjoying the low buzz of activity while I read a book, or just having time to do a project or do chores on my own time frame. This solo time fills my cup, refreshes my energy, and gives me the ability to show up as the best version of me when I need to be on.
I think one of the best ‘skills’ a person can have is the ability to be by themselves, in their own headspace, enjoying their own company.
Thank you for this thoughtful article that has helped support the changes I’m seeing in my own life.
Sandy Hinz
August 28, 2025 at 8:23 pm
I absolutely cherish my time with family and friends however, I cherish my “me time” just as much if not more.
My time to recharge, accomplish something on my neverending list – uninterrupted, my time to sit in my silence, peace and serenity…read a book, or do absolutely nothing at all.
It allows me to recharge. I can fully embrace what comes my way.
AnnieH
August 29, 2025 at 1:34 pm
As an introvert I need some alone time each day. It’s necessary so that I can recharge my mental batteries and reduce stress.
Sometimes I book a conference room at work to meditate after lunch. Other times I take myself out for a meal and will either bring a book to read or listen to a podcast while I eat.
Kay
August 30, 2025 at 5:59 pm
I grew up an only child and I’m an introvert. My husband was one of 8 kids and an extreme extrovert. He wants to do almost everything together now that we are retired. I CRAVE alone time to decompress, recharge, just do me things that I enjoy.