To need a lot of alone time

[TopGalGotte]

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?

You’re just an introvert. Completely normal
This! I always thought I was an extrovert because I make friends easily, love my friendships, like to do things with people. I'm chatty, a confident speaker and like to be active.

I now know I'm a typical introvert. That is however much I love to be with people, it drains me and being on my own is how I recharge. I always look forward to my me time.

I hate big groups and avoid them. I am usually always the first to leave gathering. I love my own company and never feel bored or lonely. I get my energy during these me time.

You sound like me.. people assume I'm an extrovert as I'm very bubbly, chatty when I'm with them but that's because I've had plenty of time to recharge to be like that in small bursts.
It all comes undone when I've had to stay with people, inlaws etc for a few days or even a week. I'm my sociable self for a few hours then I have to go for a walk or go to my room and they wonder where I've gone and are constantly asking. If I stay around them too long I go quiet and lifeless. Think it surprises people

I love a burst of being social but need to know it will come to an end... my husband completely opposite and utters the dreaded words " why do n 't you stay the night" just as the gathering is coming to a natural end 😫 I could kill him as he knows how it impacts on me. Doesn't mean I love the people any less but my battery is flickering on zero and I need to debrief

Thats being introverted. I am the same.
DH is the same and it suits our lifestyle we live far from family and friends so visits are planned and far and few between. Just as we like it.

I'd love this 😂 DP is staying at his brother's Boxing Day night, and I can't wait to have the house to myself after hosting our families for Xmas day & Boxing Day.

You are an introvert. As am I and lots of us.

I have to eat every meal alone in my room, and need regular 10-15 min ‘breaks’ alone throughout the day or I become overwhelmed (I have ASD)

Sounds normal to me. I feel much better after alone time.

I had a couple of weeks off work (signed off) because I was feeling so drained and unwell in a variety of ways which have been investigated.

I didn't tell my family so everyone thought I was going to work so didn't come over. Was the two weeks I needed to recharge.

I have family needing me and work is demanding so alone time is rare but needed.

Being an introvert isn't about being shy. It's about how you get your energy.

Extroverts get energy from others - they can still be shy.
Introverts get their energy differently, they prefer own company - they can still be confident or outgoing.

I'm exactly the same. My husband is too. We obviously spend time together but we also spend a lot of time doing our own thing. I've come across people in the past who couldn't get their head around it but we're happy.

Thanks, all. So good to hear I'm not alone. Have a lovely, relaxing - solo- Christmas eve planned for today and will be with family for the next 3 days.

I would hate that..
One of the perks of being single after a marriage is no more guests forced on me!