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Loner Information

A loner is a person who avoids or does not actively seek human interaction or prefers to be alone. There are many reasons for solitude, intentional or otherwise, and "loner" does not imply a specific cause. Intentional reasons include spiritual and religious considerations[1][2] or personal philosophies. Unintentional reasons involve being highly sensitive, having more extreme forms of shyness, or various mental disorders. The modern term "loner" can be used with a negative connotation[3] in the belief that human beings are social creatures and those that do not participate are deviant.[4][5]

Contents

Overview

There are two distinct types of individuals that are called loners. The first type includes individuals that prefer solitude and are content to have very limited social interaction. The second type includes individuals that are forced to be isolated because they are rejected by society. This individual typically experiences loneliness. The first type are not lonely even when they are alone.[6] However, these are very broad generalizations and it is not uncommon for loners to experience both of these dimensions at some point—their bliss due to solitude may come at the price of loneliness.

In popular culture, there is a certain romanticism in the idea of the loner since he or she is seen as special and unique. This can be attributed to the notion that truly great people often lurk in the shadows of societies that espouse corrupt or superficial standards of existence. As a result, the concept of a lonely hero is a recurring theme in stories.

Possible reasons

Some loners simply prefer isolation. They may feel they can reflect freely, mature faster, seek knowledge, reach goals more easily, and focus more on tasks. Disconnected from the people around them, they are more likely to make their own decisions and avoid peer pressure. Such loners may refuse to interact with others because of perceived or actual superiority in terms of ethics or intellect, and so relate only to individuals they consider worthy of their time and attention. Therefore, this type of loner will have very few intimate relationships, within which they may socialize greatly. Such bonds may form slowly, and if a stranger enters the social group, the loner may automatically shell up.

Others only isolate themselves out of self-hatred, misanthropy or self-consciousness. Social anxiety is common in their interactions: They believe people are constantly sizing up their attributes, and worry they will be judged negatively. Many can socialize only with people they see constantly. They feel social alienation even though their isolation is self-imposed.[7]

Possible characteristics

While expressing a desire to be alone, loners do not necessarily reject human contact entirely. An example would be the person who shuns any social interaction with work colleagues beyond what is necessary for fulfilling his or her job description (mainly for practical reasons and to avoid further complicating one's professional relationships) but who is highly charismatic during parties or social gatherings with people outside work or school, or vice-versa.[8]

Most loners are able to act "normally" in a social setting. However, the strain of being in a situation which is uncomfortable may leave some mentally and emotionally exhausted. They may have to retreat for a significant amount of time before being able to do so again.

The typical loner exhibits the personality trait known as introversion more than the average person. They are drawn to solitary activities to the detriment of social ones. This may be due to both innate personality traits as well as life experiences.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Platt, Paul (2005-07-26). "Neighbours describe bomb suspect as devout loner". The Times (London). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article548255.ece. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
  2. ^ http://www.forewordmagazine.net/reviews/viewreviews.aspx?reviewID=3975
  3. ^ http://spectator.org/archives/2009/05/14/a-defense-of-quiet-loners
  4. ^ http://baywood.metapress.com/index/JNQKAMHTF63FQ8PX.pdf
  5. ^ http://mothershandbook.net/2009/01/26/youre-not-alone-youre-just-a-loner/
  6. ^ http://www.nysun.com/new-york/loners-vs-loneliness/52703/
  7. ^ Pulkkinen, Lea (September 1990). "Adult life-styles and their precursors in the social behavior of children and adolescents". European Journal of Personality 4 (3): 237–251. doi:10.1002/per.2410040305.
  8. ^ Hojat, Mohammadreza (May 1983). "Comparison of transitory and chronic loners on selected personality variables". British Journal of Psychology 74 (2): 199–203. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1983.tb01855.x.
  9. ^ Svoboda, Elizabeth (March/April 2007). "Field Guide to the Loner: The Real Insiders". Psychology Today Magazine.

External links

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