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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To need a lot of alone time

62 replies

TopGalGotte · 22/12/2024 17:10

I've always been happy in my own company, have always lived alone even though I've been in relationships. I have a good family and circle of friends, play tennis, which I love, so I've a fairly busy life with work etc. also.

Despite all this, I need a lot of time alone to recharge/read/ do nothing/walk. I've always been like this, but I feel even more as I've got older.

I also don't enjoy socialising with big groups - eg I enjoy playing tennis in a club but I don't enjoy the social evenings of around 100 people that happen a few times a year... prefer meeting up with a couple of people I'm friendliest with.

Another example - I'm spending Christmas day with family but I want Christmas eve to myself - which some people can't seem to understand!

AIBU and odd, or is it okay to be like this?

OP posts:
Trickabrick · 22/12/2024 17:17

Your life sounds perfect to me!

gannett · 22/12/2024 17:16

I can't get my head around the people who apparently don't need time alone (or even actively hate it).

I do like socialising though, including big groups - I learned to love them over the years. Obviously depends on the exact company. But I need a lot of alone time to recharge.

Dearg · 22/12/2024 17:15

Do you feel drained / exhausted after being around people? Normal introvert reaction.
I think , statistically, there are more of us introverts, than extroverts.

As long as you are comfortable with your alone time, that’s fine!

I would say I am very similar, and I am comfortable with that.

SallyWD · 22/12/2024 17:14

bridgetreilly · 22/12/2024 17:13

You’re just an introvert. Completely normal.

Exactly. I'm an introvert too and need lots of time alone, although I don't always get it!

TwilightSkies · 22/12/2024 17:14

I’m like this. Love time alone, peace and quiet. I need to recharge after spending time with people.

Nevergiveuponagoodthing · 22/12/2024 17:14

Perfectly normal, that or I’m abnormal too!

AgileGreenSeal · 22/12/2024 17:14

You are not being unreasonable.

We are all different and “recharge” in different ways.
Personally I’m like you, I need alone time and always enjoy it. And I don’t do so well if I can’t get it. Relax, you’re fine.

whatwouldyoudoifisangoutofkey · 22/12/2024 17:13

It would be my dream to have your lifestyle.

georgepigg · 22/12/2024 17:13

Not strange or unusual at all. I haven’t been alone for ages (months) and that’s really not optimal for me!

bridgetreilly · 22/12/2024 17:13

You’re just an introvert. Completely normal.

WasThatACorner · 22/12/2024 17:12

There's nothing wrong with you. I have found that being able to tell people what works for me and what doesn't has really helped as people don't feel offended at invites being declined.

mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 22/12/2024 17:11

It's OK. There are lots of us out here who feel the same.

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