Being Alone

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I think the amount of alone time one needs is based on personal preference. Some feel content with spending most of their time on their own, while others feel depressed or uncomfortable if they're isolated for too long. Personally I don't see much point in establishing relationships with others... I don't get much gratification.

For me the time spent alone comes from 2 sources. First I am not “driven” to socialize like NTs (if you deprive NTs of social contact they “loose it”). Second when in social situations I am using intellectually learned skills to replace the innate social skills, which are missing in the spectrum mind so this is a lot of intellectual effort.

With friends and family who understand spectrum differentials the amount of effort is minimized and socialization is much more sustained. They do not expect me to make inconsequential “small talk” so all the stress is removed. And yes it can be boring so I just go somewhere in my mind when that happens.

bookwormde

For me the time spent alone comes from 2 sources. First I am not “driven” to socialize like NTs (if you deprive NTs of social contact they “loose it”). Second when in social situations I am using intellectually learned skills to replace the innate social skills, which are missing in the spectrum mind so this is a lot of intellectual effort.

With friends and family who understand spectrum differentials the amount of effort is minimized and socialization is much more sustained. They do not expect me to make inconsequential “small talk” so all the stress is removed. And yes it can be boring so I just go somewhere in my mind when that happens.

bookwormde

For me the only time I can truly say I'm totally relaxed and at ease is when I'm alone.

I absolutely have to have a certain amount of alone-time. I go batty without it -- I become irritable, either don't sleep or have disturbed sleep patterns, can't think clearly, etc. I've had family over for a couple of days, so I'm a bit insomniac right now. Not good, since I have a final exam and work later today.

Patricia

I really love being by myself, particularly with my dog, because I can go outside and do small experiments, study grasses, make animal noises, pretend, get lost in the woods, and just be myself without people constantly saying 'Yeah, oookay....'

I do like socializing, in limited amounts though. After a while, I leave, return to my car, and instantly feel less stressed as soon as I start the engine.

I don't like to be alone. I hate going out alone. I like to have my husband and/or my kids with me. I get nervous when I'm home all alone and when I go out all alone, my anxiety spikes.