A loner is a person who does not seek out, or may actively avoid, interaction with other people. There are many potential reasons for their solitude. Intentional reasons include introversion, mysticism, spirituality, religion, or personal considerations. Unintentional reasons involve being highly sensitive or shy.
If you've been a loner for a while, the idea of being socially skilled and making new friends seem impossible. However, this is far from the truth. As long as you really want it and you'll work for it, you can eventually stop being a loner. Your life will become brighter and your social life will flourish once more.
The Intentional Negative Loner
Intentional negative loners have negative outlooks on society and prefer not to associate or assimilate with others. These traits can be a beginning sign of an antisocial personality disorder.
Isolation is a result of anxiety and depression in that some individuals use it as a self-induced coping mechanism to deal with excessive worry and avoid human interaction.
Introverts can also sometimes be considered loners. These are people who enjoy time alone, not necessarily because they don't like being around other people, but rather because they are more interested in their own inner thoughts and feelings.
Research shows loneliness is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes; for example, it is a risk factor for depression, increases pain sensitivity, and has been linked to premature death.
INTJ: One of The Rarest, Loneliest Personality Types [Introverts and Writing]
Some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress. It's also associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems. For example, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems. My anxiety and depression isolates me from people and stops me from being able to do the things I'd like to do.
Loving a Loner: Bonding Within Boundaries
Apparently, it is possible to have a healthy, wholesome, happy relationship with a loner—who values spending (some of their) time alone.
A narcissist has no friends
A narcissist usually grows up as a loner. He/she has no friends and even if they do, most of them are superficial, merely acquaintances. Our friendships teach us a lot about building and maintaining relationships.
Among respondents ages 16 to 24, 40% reported feeling lonely very often—the largest group to do so. Loneliness among young adults was 13 percentage points higher than other age groups.
They work more productively when there's nobody but them. They prefer to tackle projects solo so they can get it done fast. This isn't to say that if you need people around you all the time, you're not intelligent. This is just to say that most loners are highly intelligent.
Young people feel loneliness the most
However, in contrast, the young report feeling lonely much more – with 40% saying they have felt this way at least some of the time. The BBC Loneliness Experiment surveyed 55,000 people and showed that 16–24-year-olds feel loneliness the most.
Humans need not only the presence of others but also people who provide meaningful connections. Many resist seeking help for fear of being perceived as weak and loneliness can build upon itself, causing people to withdraw further. But loneliness isn't a character flaw.
Even if you're a loner, you can still find a girlfriend. However, whether you're an introvert or just shy, you do need to be more social, just so you have a chance to meet people. You may also need to learn how to make small talk, as well as how to ask a girl on a date.
ISFJ. ISFJ's are quiet, conscientious, and kind. They are responsible in nature and are committed to meeting their obligations. They have a tendency to put the needs of others above their own.
Some people are naturally loners, as in they prefer to be by themselves some/most of the time. But if they're a loner because they dislike others or because others dislike them, it's likely that they're just unpleasant — and it could be a red flag.
9 Signs You're a Loner
You enjoy spending time alone more than with other people. You can't connect with (or don't have any) family members. You can't connect with (or don't have any) friends. You're introspective and tend to be an introvert.