For those of you who live alone...

[MIB41]

I've been married for a while now with kids and now a grand child. But I can tell you, I'm very much a person who likes my personal down time. And I've always needed that balance, even when I was single. The one advantage I DO have is that I work from home. So I'm able to reconcile that need by having a quiet house all day before the crowd hits the door. It helps too that I run out to the gym when I log off, so when I get back in the door, the environment has completely changed and I'm ready. I even liked quiet moments as a kid. I certainly had my share of friends to play football all day and run through the neighborhood. But I also graved my alone time to play with my Megos and other action figures to create adventures. I think some of that enjoyment followed me into adulthood. And so I associate quiet time as tranquil time. Even if I'm working, I'm at peace.

[HardyGirl]

Ok, so it's nice to know that I'm not weird or anti-social, (that's a laugh, b/c I actually love to socialize, as long as I can come home and just be alone). Thanks guys.

[huedell]

The problem with living alone, as I see it (because I live alone) is that you can become addicted to that "control", so, yes, I do find myself being over-entitled when having to work with other people. The trick is to be able to know how to counteract that instinct if you sincerely want to achieve healthy relationships with other people. Sometimes its worth it, and sometimes its not.

[VintageMike]

Oh god, yes! I get my fill of people during the workday and need to just have my space when I get home. The other issue I don't have enough in common with people to make extended visitations comfortable. Family gatherings are pretty painful for me because of this. The big exception to this is if I can somehow attend something where there's a common interest (like MegoMeet for example) I'm happy to have the company.

[HardyGirl]

That's sometimes the case w/ me. In regards to my family, my niece is kinda getting into the 70s, so that's cool. My older brother and I share enough memories and sometimes watch old shows together. I don't have many local friends, b/c most people think someone who likes Star Trek, Rick Springfield, Shaun Cassidy, toys and action figures is weird, but I've learned to live w/ that and just be happy in my solitude.

Oh god, yes! I get my fill of people during the workday and need to just have my space when I get home. The other issue I don't have enough in common with people to make extended visitations comfortable. Family gatherings are pretty painful for me because of this. The big exception to this is if I can somehow attend something where there's a common interest (like MegoMeet for example) I'm happy to have the company.

[Hedji]

Reading this thread conjures up thoughts of Charlton Heston in the Omega Man.

My Wife and Daughter are away visiting her family this week, so I've been enjoying my Fortress of Solitude. Not shaving, letting my nails grow, peeing in mason jars... You know, the usual recluse stuff.

That said, I'll be happy to have them home next week.

[Bionicfanboy66]

I've been known to be a shy recluse at times. Depends on what mood I'm in. It's well known that Johnny Carson was like that as well.