In winter, trees go quiet. No leaves, no blooms, no rush to grow. From the outside, they look bare…maybe even lifeless. But beneath the bark, life is still there, quietly working, storing energy for the next season.

People can be like that too. Some of us enjoy being alone from time to time. Not because we’re antisocial or strange, but because solitude gives us space to think, breathe and just be without having to perform for anyone.

Still, many of us carry embarrassment about it. Maybe you’ve turned down a Friday night invite because you wanted to curl up with tea and a book. Maybe you’ve gone for a walk alone at lunch instead of joining the crowd. And maybe, afterward, you felt the need to explain yourself; so people wouldn’t assume you’re lonely, sad, or “weird.”

Here’s the truth: enjoying your own company is a sign of emotional maturity. It means you can recharge without relying on constant noise or validation. The awkward stares or playful teasing from others usually says more about their discomfort with stillness than about you.

That said, there’s a line worth paying attention to. Solitude is healthy when:

• It feels refreshing, not draining
• You still make time for meaningful relationships
• You use it to reflect, create, or rest—not to avoid life altogether

But it might be slipping into unhealthy territory if:

• You start avoiding people out of fear or resentment
• You consistently choose isolation over connection
• Your alone time leaves you feeling emptier rather than fuller

Think of solitude like the tree’s winter season: it’s meant to restore you, not replace the other seasons entirely. You can step away from the crowd without disappearing from life. And you can enjoy quiet without apology.

Because time alone isn’t a flaw to fix, it’s a strength to understand.

By Cheryl the Tech Tiller