What is the Difference Between a Loner and an Introvert? Introverts tend to enjoy the company of certain people or have a small group of friends, while most loners tend to avoid people completely. Loners seek solitude and prefer introspection to socializing.
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. Spending quality time by themselves is how they are able to regain energy.
"Loners tend to be introverts. They enjoy their own company and like choosing how to spend their time to follow their interests," says psychotherapist Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, M. Ed.
It is important to remember that being an introvert does not mean you have to be alone all the time. You can still find ways to enjoy social activities and build meaningful relationships, even if you prefer to be by yourself.
Too much time alone is bad for our physical health. Studies have found that social isolation and loneliness can increase the likelihood of mortality by up to 30%.
Loneliness and social isolation are not only linked to depression, but they also raise the risk of anxiety, cognitive problems, self-harm, and suicide, according to an advisory published in May 2023 by the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD.
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.
When Introverts become angry, they tend to hold everything inside, hiding their anger from others and even from themselves. Or at least this is what most people think. In fact, this idea is more myth than reality. When Introverts become angry, they may try to repress their feelings.
Social exhaustion can also be called introvert burnout or introvert hangover. Although it's not a medical diagnosis, it is a valid experience that introverts and extroverts can face. It can be an emotional and physical response to social overstimulation that leaves you feeling drained and exhausted.
Introverts enjoy activities they can do alone or with just a few others. So, it's not surprising that so many introverted, gifted children love to read. They also tend to prefer activities that allow for creative expression, like creative writing, music, and art.
What Is a Loner Personality? Loners are people who actively try to stay as far away as possible from social interactions. They prefer solitude over the company of others and tend to enjoy being preoccupied with their thoughts. Loners usually don't mind sitting idly or waiting, so long as they are alone when doing it.
INTJ: One of The Rarest, Loneliest Personality Types [Introverts and Writing]
In 2011, research by psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek, and Julie Norem broke introversion into four main types: social introvert, thinking introvert, anxious introvert, and restrained introvert.
An introvert can cut off contact with someone for any number of reasons, but mainly it's because that individual is negatively affecting us, and we need to slam the door in order to heal. It's about self-care and setting boundaries (which is not easy, trust me).
Time alone, time to prepare for social situations, and following a plan are all ways an introvert deals with stress. In contrast, extroverts may find too much alone time stressful because they can't talk through their thoughts and feelings, which is how they process and manage stress.
Overstimulation is very common, and often happens when an introvert is the center of attention. Whether this is giving a presentation, at their own birthday party, or in a meeting, they may come across as tired rather than what they're actually feeling. Some signs of overstimulation are: Shrinking back.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
While most survey respondents, regardless of personality traits, say they prefer to cry when they're alone, Introverts are more likely than Extraverts to say so. Introverts are more comfortable crying alone or with a small group of friends, while Extraverts may be more at home with public crying.
An introvert can be clingy or distant just as an ambivert or an extrovert. Give yourself the chance to understand an introvert and you'll know they can be quite independent.
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.
People might choose to spend time alone because they are introverts energized by the quiet. Others may prefer being alone because they feel overstimulated when around others. Enjoying time alone can be a consistent or stage-dependent preference.
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.