There's time alone and then there's time ALONE. I've been a little "too" alone of late. Largely because there are no built-in people in my day-to-day (no kids, no pets, no hubby/sweetie, no family nearby and so on). I do have friends and interests and I keep busy, but sometimes I see myself becoming more and more of an island and it feels a BIT scary... I wonder, Am I going to become a crazy cat lady???

But back to your post. I think some people are simply more social than others. I don't think there's a "wrong" about it... There are extroverts and introverts and plenty of shades in between. Being alone can help you see where you fall in the spectrum. Plus it can also (as you say) remind you of what you enjoy. And give you a chance to reflect and all that.

Shani - I am much the same. I find time alone really difficult, but to be honest this is the first time in my adult life that I have been alone. When I had a house fuil I would dream of having the house to myself, now I have it I really struggle. Maybe it is about balance - we need to discover who we are and that means having some time to reflect on that but it is also good to be with people - as humans we are typically social animals. As tokyorose mentions we are all different and we have to find what fits for us.

Shani, Like you, when I am alone, which is pretty much all the time except for my working hours, I just reach out to have communication. I divorced my ex after 30 years of marriage hoping that I could start a new life.
However, being aloe is not what I thought it would be. I am lonely, yet I like living alone. I have always had a man in my life and in the past 2 years, well let's just say I was still seemingly searching for a man to rescue me! lol I know that is not going to happen…
I realize now that I need to learn to appreciate and love myself, to be my own best friend..
"She dreamed of a life equal to her hearts desire."

Shani, I'm sorry you're feeling alone. Just remember: feelings aren't facts. They're valid, but they're not facts.

There's a difference between solitude and aloneness. Sounds like you already know what brings you joy (art, your dog, etc.). It's totally normal to feel the void of a relationship that recently existed. if you didn't, that would be concerning. ;)

Maybe you can try to catch yourself when you feel that initial panic of aloneness and say to yourself: "I got my back" and develop a new side of yourself? Fill that void with something that your self has always wanted to do or explore. If connection with people is what you need, definitely schedule coffee, lunch, visits to get your fill. But whatever you do, don't feel like you're an aberration from the norm because you feel lonely. It's natural. I think everyone on this board would agree that being "alone" in an unhealthy relationship is a far worse situation, right?

Keep on keepin on...

Thank you for your responses. They are all interesting. I especially like the reminder of how "alone" I felt often times in my marriage and with the BF. All I wanted was to be alone then. And now it is not the same. I am lonely, but not empty. I think that is how I would say it. Yes, I felt very empty and alone and dark inside when I was in those unhealthy relationships. Now it is more of a "I would like to communicate with someone, but maybe should just be still with myself?" No darkness. No emptiness. And man is that a nice and wonderful thing.

I just thought of something, I had been contemplating my ex for more than 15 years, it was not until I realized that although I lived in a house with my ex, I realized that being in that home with him was the loneliest time of my life. I spent 30 years being a wife, mother, cook, maid, taxi driver etc… I lost touch with who "I" was. There is nothing so lonely as to be surrounded by people and still feeling so alone. While married I spent all my time at home with my ex and kids, I never made a life for myself outside the home. (I take responsibility for that now) So, I guess we just reach out when we need to, and when no one is available, we do something we enjoy! I have this plaque sitting on my mantle that says "Do One Thing Everyday That Makes You Happy"
I just have to remind myself to read it everyday! lol