The Courage To Be Alone

We’ve all heard it—"Don’t you get lonely?"—that well-meaning but often awkward question we get when we admit to enjoying time alone.

As if being solo is some kind of social sin, as if our self-worth is somehow measured by the number of people around us.

Newsflash: there’s power in solitude, and it takes real courage to embrace it. In fact, it takes a kind of bravery to willingly choose time with you—without the distractions of others, without the need for validation, and without pretending you're anything other than exactly who you are.

The Society of “Not Alone”

We live in a world that champions constant connectivity. "How’s the social calendar looking?" "Who’s coming over tonight?" "What’s the latest group chat gossip?" If we’re not constantly in the loop, we feel like we’re missing out. But here’s the thing—being alone isn’t about exclusion; it’s about inclusion. Inclusion of yourself, in your own life. And let’s face it: if you don’t like hanging out with yourself, how can you expect others to enjoy your company?

The truth is, people often fear solitude because they’re not sure they’ll like what they find when they stop running from themselves. But the beauty of being alone is that it forces you to face your own thoughts, quirks, and idiosyncrasies—without the noise of outside opinions. It’s like being your own best friend… without the obligation to share your fries.

So, what happens when you commit to a night alone? At first, it’s a little awkward, like that first date where you don’t know if you should talk about your favourite movie or the weather (neither is a good choice). You’ll probably end up scrolling through your phone for a while, just to make sure you’re not missing out on something. But slowly, you’ll notice something strange: you’re actually starting to enjoy the quiet. You don’t need constant external distractions. You’re enough, just as you are.

And that, my friends, is where the magic begins.

This is when you start to realize that time alone doesn’t mean you’re “missing out”—it means you’re finding out. You’re reconnecting with the parts of yourself that got lost under the weight of social pressures, family obligations, and work commitments. Time alone is where your soul takes a deep breath. You’re finally free to explore what truly makes you tick, without anyone else’s expectations clouding your vision.

Time alone isn’t just about avoiding people—it’s about finding yourself. It's where you rediscover the hobbies you love, the dreams you forgot you had, and the parts of yourself that maybe got lost in the shuffle of busy life. When you’re alone, you’re free to listen to your own inner voice without interruption. Suddenly, your creativity flows, your clarity sharpens, and your confidence rises—because you realize you don’t need to “fill the silence” with anyone else. You’re enough to be your own muse.

Think about it: every great relationship—whether with others or with yourself—begins with a strong sense of self. Solitude gives you the chance to strengthen that relationship. Who needs a “plus one” when you’re already in a solid partnership with your own soul? And the best part? You’re no longer constantly editing yourself to meet someone else’s expectations. You can wear your quirks like a badge of honor.

Sure, being alone means facing some hard truths. You might have to deal with the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding—those annoying little insecurities, the fears, the old regrets. But here’s where it gets fun: those things don’t have power over you when you’ve spent time sitting with them. You’ve spent so much time running from yourself, but in the end, you’re your own best friend. You can embrace your quirks, your imperfections, and your inner weirdo because you’re in good company: your own.

Here’s the emotional punchline: the more time you spend with yourself, the more you realize you’re not missing out on anything. In fact, you’re gaining everything. The courage to be alone means you’re not waiting for someone else to define your worth or to provide your happiness. You’ve got all the tools you need right inside you. And when you do choose to share your life with others, it’s from a place of authenticity, not desperation.

When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you don’t need to rely on other people to “complete” you. You’ve already done the work, you’ve already learned to be your own support system, and you’ve already mastered the art of self-care. Solitude doesn’t mean loneliness—it means wholeness.

So, here’s to the quiet nights, the solo adventures, and the moments when you choose your own company over anything else. Because, in the end, the courage to be alone isn’t about avoiding others—it’s about finding the most fulfilling relationship you can have: the one with yourself.

// Maya Husain