I think people often associate spending time on your own as a negative thing, or that you're a loner/have minimal friends. I mean, that may be the case but what's the problem there anyway? I find spending time on my own to be a great place to clear your head and look after yourself. Don't get me wrong, sometimes if I spend too much time in my own company, I crave human interaction and spending time with good people can keep you sane. But i'm not focussing on that on this post, I'm focussing on spending time by yourself.
I think that spending time alone, you learn more about yourself, how you think and what you want to do with your time. It's important to know yourself properly before anyone else does. Go for a coffee by yourself, go shopping by yourself, go for a walk by yourself. All of these things allow you to get to know yourself. Sometimes it can be difficult to actually pluck up the courage and confidence to go out by yourself. I often feel anxious before going out alone, anxious that people will judge you for being out alone or that you won't know what to do in your own company.
I love going out for coffee by myself. Mostly because I just love going out for coffee, but also because I've learnt to enjoy sitting by myself, either people watching, reading or just staring into space and letting my mind wander. I find it so refreshing, and I usually feel so much better after doing it. I also love meeting friends for coffee and chatting for hours, so it's good to try and balance doing both.
Also, I hate going shopping with other people (other than my mum). I like wandering around the shops, not feeling guilty for trying 16 items on in Zara, and then going back and trying on another 5. Stopping for a tea and a croissant, and then stopping again for a hot chocolate and sandwich 45 minutes later without someone saying "you're hungry again? Don't you want to wait a while?". Feeling rushed while shopping is the worst, shopping is therapy and having the wrong company while shopping is just stressful.
I'm not saying that spending time on your own is more important than spending time with others, but you need to find that balance. Spending time with friends and family keep you grounded and happy, and seeing those people regularly is so important. However I also think making time for yourself and spending time on your own is just as important.
