LEAVE ME ALONE

As an introvert, if there's one thing I enjoy the most is my own time. But then when you have people around it's kinda hard to get that time. I've often wondered what it would be like to die alone, not because I like it, but because it helps me appreciate those who like to stay around me even though I eventually run off at a point without making it look obvious. I could go out to get something and take a long walk on my own just to make myself feel that I'm alone. Or trek long distances to a place I should go with a taxi especially when there's a problem I can't seem to figure out. My alone time just helps me reflect on a lot of things and in so many cases figure out possible solutions to problems or generate a new idea.

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But then there's a scary type of loneliness. Especially for those with small circles like some of my close pals. I think it's one of the major things that has kept our friendship very strong. We know that we're all we've got and therefore try to be there for each other. I remember some years back when I was terribly sick and my roommate was away. I knew if I had died at that point it would take days before someone would even realize that someone had passed on. Thankfully I got well at the end of the day, but if I should admit those were one of my scariest days with no one to call for help. I also know what it means to have people around and still be alone as one time I was very sick back in my early school days. I fell from the top bunk and passed out while all my roommates were fast asleep. I later regained consciousness seeing I was bleeding all over my face but just climbed back up and slept with the pains.

People often mistake intruding in a person's personal space and being there for them. When you love someone you're always on the lookout for them. A little call to say “hi, how are you doing today” or a little “I was passing by and decided to say hi” is enough if you know the person likes their personal space. Those little gestures would in fact bring them out of those spaces just to enjoy your company. If there's one thing I know, no matter how much a person likes to be alone, there's that one person they wish was always around. And there are times they just want to be around at least a single person. So if you know someone like that, try checking up on them often but make sure not to stay too long because then you would be intruding in their space unless they tell you to stay.

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One way I feel people intrude into my personal space is when they always want me to talk. I think for most introverts this is where we draw the line. Even though you are around, talking isn't really compulsory. I could be telling myself a beautiful story in my head and you're asking me questions or playing loud music. The ideal thing is understanding who I am, then you will know how to be around me without intruding into my privacy. Loners don't always want to be physically alone, but they usually like being mentally alone and understanding this is vital to keeping them around you. Except they have something to hide that would make them want to be physically alone or they just like staying in the dark like a friend of mine. Still, understanding them is vital to living with them. Myself inclusive.

THIS IS MY RESPONSE TO HIVE LEARNER'S PROMPT FOR WEEK 119 EPISODE 3