Some people thrive in solitude, but a great many feel lost without constant company.
They dread days when there’s nothing on their social calendar, and they’ll do whatever they can to avoid time away from other people, and that’s a real shame. Learning to not just accept, but relish time to yourself is key for a happy, healthy life. However, if you relate to these experiences, you clearly struggle in this department.
1. Background noise is a must.
Source: Unsplash If there’s even a second of silence, the TV or radio goes on to fill it. Podcasts play while you’re folding laundry, music fills any quiet gaps, and YouTube videos run on autoplay late into the night. Even if no one’s really watching, just having something on feels comforting. The remote’s always close by, and sleep mode? Never activated.
2. Meals are never tech-free.
Eating solo? That’s prime scrolling time. Between catching up on messages, checking social media, and watching videos, the food often goes cold. It’s like the meal isn’t complete without a screen for company, and somehow, even a simple dinner stretches out longer than it should.
3. Daily updates go straight in the group chat.
From coffee runs to grocery shopping, you’re sharing your day’s play-by-play with friends. Grocery trips become photo ops, and even the most mundane errands are worth a social media post. Location-sharing? It’s on for nearly everyone, keeping your friends fully in the loop.
4. Weekend plans start on Monday.
A free weekend? Not on your watch. The calendar fills up weeks ahead, and you’ve always got backup plans in case anyone cancels. The idea of empty evenings can feel unsettling, so you’re always looking to fill them. Open calendar slots? They’re more of a problem than a luxury.
5. Your phone battery never survives the day.
With all the messaging, app-hopping, and constant refreshing of feeds, your battery’s drained before lunch. Social media gets checked every few minutes, conversations jump across platforms, and you keep a power bank close by just in case. Deep down, you know your screen time is high—even if you try to ignore those weekly reports.
6. Dating apps become a full-time hobby.
Profiles get updated regularly, and notifications spark immediate replies. Swiping becomes a go-to for any quiet moment, with conversations open across multiple matches. If you ever delete the app, it’s back on your phone within days, with “perfect” opening lines ready to go.
7. Roommate hunting never stops.
Shared spaces only. When you’re flat hunting, it’s all about finding a place with flatmates. Even the idea of solo living feels a bit too quiet, and plans always revolve around having someone close by. Studio flats get scrolled past, and leases only get renewed if there’s someone to share the space.
8. Work from home means constant video calls.
Optional video chats? You’re in, every time. Quick questions often turn into long conversations, and your Slack status is always “active.” Virtual coffee breaks keep you connected, with camera angles and lighting set just right. And weekend emails? You’re there, ready to respond.
9. Hobbies need a social setting.
Exercise only happens in group classes, and cooking projects quickly turn into dinner parties. Book clubs replace solo reading, and any creative project feels incomplete without an audience. If there’s no group involved, chances are the hobby won’t last long.
10. Sleep requires a background soundtrack.
When it’s bedtime, podcasts, audiobooks, or white noise machines are essential. Silence can feel too heavy, so sleep timers get reset throughout the night. Playlists run until morning, and phone notifications stay on—just in case something pops up before dawn.
11. Shopping is a social event.
Even quick errands feel better with company. A friend’s opinion on every purchase feels necessary, and online shopping is incomplete without group chat input. Items stay in the cart until they’re approved, and solo shopping trips rarely feel right.
12. Every minor decision needs a second opinion.
Outfit choices, dinner plans, and Netflix picks all go through the group chat for approval. From paint colours to simple snack choices, nearly every decision gets a second (or third) opinion. Left to your own devices, you might not even be sure what you like.
13. Productivity drops without supervision.
Projects seem to progress only when there’s someone to check in or provide feedback. Without an outside push, deadlines feel flexible, and focus tends to drift. Even solo tasks are tough to complete without regular updates from someone else.
14. Travel means group trips only.
Solo holidays? Not likely. Trips are planned with company in mind, whether it’s for shared meals, group photos, or just having someone to fill the day with. Empty passport pages stay empty without a travel buddy, and single-occupancy rates are avoided at all costs.
15. Gym sessions need a workout buddy.
Source: Unsplash Exercise happens if there’s a partner around to spot or encourage. You stick to the social areas at the gym, and even rest breaks turn into chat sessions. Home equipment sits unused, and class schedules guide every workout plan.
16. Every hobby becomes shareable content.
A quiet moment or personal achievement needs to be shared with an audience. Photos get snapped, captions are crafted, and every experience gets posted online. If it’s not documented, it somehow feels incomplete, and your camera roll is packed with moments ready to be shared.
