[methodover]

I work from home full time. And I’m single; and I live alone.

I often go through the whole workweek without saying more than a couple words to another person in real life.

I wonder what this does to me over time. It probably isn’t good.

It’s funny, too, I actually tend not to mind stretches of alone time. I get used to it. It’s when I oscillate between a day of being alone, and then a night out, then a day alone again, a night out, etc., that I feel the loneliness during the day. Mondays tend to suck for the same reason, since now I’m suddenly alone again after spending the weekend with people in the real world. I usually start to feel OK again by Tuesday.

I admit to in the past wanting to say no to offers to hang out just because I know I’ll miss the human contact after.

This probably all sounds crazy but (shrug emoticon was here, I guess HN doesn’t like emoticons :( )

[hashberry]

Same here, though I really really enjoy living + working alone (5+ years now).

Tip: get a dog. Having a dog forces me to leave the house at least twice a day to go on walks, plus it's a great conversation starter with people around the neighborhood. Dogs are social animals and it's amazing how the simple act of loving and receiving love in return can improve emotional well-being.

[saddestcatever]

Minor adjustment:

Dogs are wonderful companions. But they do come with needs and stress of their own. They are no replacement for therapy, mental health, or social engagement. Get a dog because you want to care for and love a dog. Animals aren't remedies.

[nwah1]

Or get a spouse and some kids.

[s_y_n_t_a_x]

This is me except I'm married. That's just how my wife and I are. I lived like this single too. For me, people are draining and a lot of work. I usually don't think about others, I'm wrapped up in my own life. I don't like social situations, I'm always waiting to get back home, so I just stay home. To me, it's not a problem because that's what I prefer.