I can understand what you mean and how you feel. I think knowing how to be alone is the first step toward building healthy social relationships. It gives you the ability to step outside of yourself to truly listen to and accept others. It’s essential, and I also think it’s nourishing for the soul. However, I often find myself thinking that it’s a double-edged sword. Truly knowing yourself and your own company also means being more selective in daily life and in the relationships that enter your solitude. I don’t know if we’ve become too accustomed to it, but I believe what you said is a valuable skill. It’s precisely what’s needed for building healthy relationships. It also makes you capable of relating to others much better than the performative version that often appears in social media. So, don’t be hard on yourself. If only there were more people like you: so reflective and with such a keen eye on the world around us! Sorry for the long reply! ☺️🙏🏻

@andon Thank you for this, really. I think I was simply trying to share a part of myself that I rarely talk about, and it honestly feels good to know that someone understood it so deeply

It’s not you… It’s the world we are living in… Communication is so much easier and accessible, yet we are becoming more alone and disconnected. The good news is those lucky enough to enjoy your beautiful food are getting your best communication.

@aranha Yeah… my social skills mostly activate when I’m talking about food 😄

That is so great. Food is your expression. Your Art. Your Creation. And you nourish others through it. I am so happy that you are speaking openly on how you feel and how you experience your life. It’s and inspiration. You are role modelling an authentic self for all of us 👍🏽 😍

I feel you brother. I am very much the same. Hugs❤️

This hit close to home for me too. At 33, this is something I’m learning more and more. I spent years forcing myself into social situations that made me uncomfortable because I thought that was just what “normal” people were supposed to do. But tbh, looking back now, I’m not convinced all that effort was worth it, or if I actually wanted it in the first place. These days I try to trust my instincts a lot more and just accept that I’m naturally a bit less social than what’s considered “normal”. Although there’s definitely a fine line between accepting yourself and getting too comfortable staying in your own bubble.

💯

As someone that’s also a natural introvert, I think there’s a value in both pushing yourself but also respecting who you are. I had phases in my 20s where I got myself to be a bit more social and outgoing, and I really do think it helped me grow my social sphere, but at the end of the day I know I recharge and reflect alone and that’s okay. I also agree with @andon that being introverted makes you selective with who you spend time with, but I do see that as more of a positive; you only give time to people who enlighten you, and otherwise you can enjoy life with just your own company, which is an important skill to carry through life.