Need for Time Alone

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I also write for hours on end. That is the very best time.

I definately need many hours a day to be alone. Or I revert back into the incredible ass.

I've heard that everyone needs some time alone, but most NTs I know say that they do not. Or at least they are not as affected by a lack of time alone as I am. I have noticed this on road trips and camping trips. After several days of constant company, everyone else will be laughing and chattering like usual while I'm anxiously trying to find a way to be alone for a few hours. Ideally, I like to spend a lot more time alone than with other people.

Oh man, so much. I lived with three other girls, all of whom are amazing and some of my best friends, but if I didn't make it really clear that I wanted to be absolutely left alone, they would just come into my room whenever and start talking to me. I felt so bad freaking out at them for it, too, because I didn't understand why I couldn't deal with them popping in to ask me questions like "What do you want for dinner?".

It happens at home, too. My parents especially will shoo me out of my bedroom if they think I've holed up for too long, and it makes me crazy. Sometimes, I can deal with people really well, even though they make me a bit hyperactive, but sometimes I just need to be the only person on the planet. Any sound of people nearby, even wwalking outside in the street, makes me want to scream. Which I've always found really odd, since I'm fine with having music on, usually, or even playing an instrument during my alone time. It's just sounds I'm not controlling that get me, I guess. Maybe a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones would be a good idea.

wsmac said:

I used to take my husband's need for alone time sooo personally (I'm NT).

I used to say, 'What's wrong? What's wrong? Are you mad at me? What's wrong?'

Which would escalate to, 'Stop giving me the silent treatment! I'm sick of this passive-aggressive nonsense'.

Working out he has Asperger's and understanding his need for alone time has been fantastic.

I leave him in peace and don't take it personally. We're both much happier.

Helen