Being able to spend time by yourself without feeling lonely is definitely helpful. I like your wording „enjoying solitude“. Yes, enjoying solitude can be wonderful.

It starts with small things – going to a movie by yourself, attending a concert by yourself, having dinner in a restaurant by yourself. As soon as I decided to do things on my own, the world became bigger, there were so many more opportunities. And every time I accomplished something on my own, I felt stronger. I now have the good feeling, that I am truly independent. No more waiting for a friend to come along. It is wonderful to go to a museum, to look at the pictures for however long I want to, to stroll through the city, stopping whereever I like.

For many years I had been in relationships. Last fall, shortly before Christmas I decided to go on a bigger adventure, my first single holiday. I didn't join a tour, I did not travel with a group, I went by myself, treated myself to a beautiful place in the sun at a long beach – and I enjoyed every moment of it. Long walks on the beach every day, the warm water at my feet – it was great. I structured my days and went on a few touristy tours. As I am not very good at socializing I made it my task to start conversations with strangers. I can't say it was a hugh success but I did talk to a few people and had a some nice conversations. End of story – I loved it and I will travel by myself again – I have already booked my next trip.

Having written all this, I want to point out that all that freedom and the adventures are beautiful, knowing that I have a homebase to come back to. My homebase are my family and friends, with whom I enjoy spending time, talking and having fun. In the end I am a social creature and I need people around me. I enjoy having time by myself but only as long as I know that there are people I can come back to. :-)