First of all, apologies for the delay in getting brand new content to the site. Between working from home, seeing friends and family via video call, and essentially living in complete isolation, it’s been tough to find the appropriate amount of inspiration and time to write anything new. Plus playing video games 24/7 gets in the way a bit too. Although that combination of things did pave the way for a realization that being alone for some people could be terrifying. In fact, having a Fear of Being Alone is a great idea for a blog post.

Isolating Your Fear of Being Alone

I believe it was the great Dr. Knowles who once said “all the single ladies” during one of her video documentaries. She, of course, wrote that about women living by themselves due to agoraphobia. However, the underlying Fear of Being Alone still applies to all walks of life, not just the single ladies. While many people find comfort in the idea of being trapped with their own thoughts, isolated from the world, and spending each waking minute away from social interaction, not all people feel the same way. But if you do like it, you can always put a ring on it.

Fear of Being Alone doesn’t limit itself to romantic situations or pandemic-related quarantines. Your roommate could say “I will be right back. I am going to the store for milk” and thus leave you by yourself for 5 minutes. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen when you’re home alone? In some cases, 5 minutes can feel like a lifetime. Assuming the roommate comes back with milk, there’s always the risk they need to go out again for other supplies at some point. During the time they are gone, the crippling realization you have an entire space to yourself can cause madness. Thoughts of being the only survivor in a post-apocalyptic world set-in the moment the front door closes. What is life without other people? What is life without society? Who will follow your Instagram account if there is no one left?

Finding Yourself in Fear of Being Alone

Like so many other Fears, there are some positives to consider if you have a Fear of Being Alone. Without anyone around, you’re free to do all the things other people may judge you for doing or not doing. A few examples that come to mind: not wearing pants, eating a small bowl of ice cream then finishing the entire carton, or making a series of purchases online to support your hobby of purchasing things online. Many people often describe the company of others as overbearing. You can also find out a lot about yourself when you’re not distracted by others and can just focus on you.

Does being alone have to be a bad thing? Name one activity that’s better with more than one person. Is playing Solitaire really better with another person breathing over your shoulder? Is playing the drums more enjoyable as a team? Has anyone ever asked for someone to join them while watching terrible horror movies on Netflix? Besides, people are the worst.

One Response

  1. Hi Steve! It has been years now, but your stories still crack me up! You have a unique talent for making sometimes mundane topics seem interesting! I only have two words for you: YOU’RE WELCOME!