do you prefer solitude?

Solitude, amidst the tumult of everyday affairs, which we too often neglect. Learning to live by oneself, learning how to enjoy nothing around us and no one else's company but our own, is a skill well worth cultivating; unfortunately, we usually use it too late.

Of course, I like being alone too. I don't say that because of I really don't like people, but it is just for the calm and quiet of living alone. I can think, rest and come back to myself. That's when I can let my thoughts roam freely, without disturbance or inhibitions.

I am able to live alone and, given the opportunity, will gladly do so. Why, you may ask? It's independence, responsibility and non-commitment. The answer is right there in front of you. Being alone teaches a kind of independence that is the source of strength. From this we learn to trust in ourselves, decide matters for us selves and be responsible individuals. It's a process of self-exploration, which helps you understand what strengths and weaknesses we have.

What's more, living alone isn't necessarily irresponsible or non-committal. It's just that on the other hand you need to be very responsible--running a home, taking care of money and so forth. With regard to non-commitment, this should not be taken as avoiding responsibility or commitment but rather one's liberty of choice.

In fact, loneliness is not necessarily a bad state of affairs. Indeed, I believe it is a thing that people cannot do without. It is in these periods of loneliness that we really learn about ourselves. It allows us to perceive our own thinking, who we are and what it is that attracts us. We learn to listen to ourselves, read our instincts and know what we are truly worth.

Although solitude can bring many advantages, if one is alone all the time this may also be unhealthy. Time spent alone can let our brains rest, raise productivity levels, make us more creative and even deepen our love for others. It's a great opportunity to clear one's head and settle down. In addition, it will inspire greater creativity and deeper self-knowledge.

But too much isolation also brings with it physical and mental problems. Research has shown that social isolation and loneliness may cause death to occur 30 % sooner. Associated with high blood pressure, acceleration of brain aging and memory loss, social inhibition and increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Thus, although it is good to appreciate solitary company and time off alone from the outside world, there also should be an adequate amount of social interaction. And, of course, everything in moderation. What it boils down to is finding what level of solitude and socialization suits you best.