People Who Prefer Being Alone At Night Often Share These 11 Personality Traits
Stock-Asso / Shutterstock When I was growing up, I was never that kid who was afraid of the dark. Instead, I enjoyed some alone time in my room, with those wonderful, glowing stars on my ceiling. That preference has followed me into adulthood. While I love spending time with my partner in the evenings, sometimes it’s nice to have a night completely to yourself.
For some, the thought of being alone at night is scary. When many of us picture being alone in the dark, our minds run wild with the most terrifying possibilities. Our minds are often racing, imagining what could go wrong. People who love this opportunity to be alone actually thrive in this atmosphere. Instead of thinking of the worst, they use this time to be creative and enjoy their independence.
People who prefer being alone at night often share these 11 personality traits
1. They are independent
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Independent people thrive when spending time alone. They can become overstimulated when they spend too much time with other people. For some, nighttime can be when they find their best moments of solitude. There is no one around to bother them. Instead, they can focus on what they want to do and slowly begin to recharge after a long day.
People who are prone to independence are happier on their own. They likely do not need someone else around. Whether that’s a romantic partner or a close friend, spending time alone is their preferred method.
2. They are creative
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We all know a night owl. I have friends who stay up most of the night and catch some z’s in the afternoon. While I do not operate that way, I respect it. Creative people may have inspiration strikes at night. There are different creative times of day for varying individuals. For some, a late start is the perfect time for them to focus on their creative endeavors.
Everyone has a different circadian rhythm. For some, it’s difficult to focus in the morning. Instead, they’d rather be alone at night and let their creative ideas run wild.
3. They are introverted
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Some people are drained by constant social interaction. If they work a full-time job, maintain relationships, and spend time with friends, they may feel drained. We may not realize how many social interactions we have in a day. From ordering lunch to replying to a co-worker's Slack message, many of us feel like we're always ‘on.’ This means we make ourselves available to people at all hours of the day, even when we may need some time to decompress on our own.
Introverts may take this time at night. They prefer recharging in silence after a long day of social interactions. It’s the perfect time for them to unwind.
4. They listen to their thoughts
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I don’t know about you, but I find myself dodging my inner thoughts at every opportunity. It can be a burden to be inside my own mind. Sometimes, my racing thoughts can leave me feeling anxious. The best way to avoid this feeling is to keep myself busy with something, which often is socializing. Some people need time to process their thoughts. They may have an easy time doing this alone at night.
Even if it is difficult, we do need to check in with ourselves now and then. People who are comfortable doing this can find it easier to do it at night.
5. They are reflective
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Reflecting on the events of the day can help people find gratitude in their lives. For some, it can look like writing in a journal. Others may send sweet messages to their loved ones to let them know how much they mean to them. Sometimes, having alone time at night can be the perfect time to reflect. They can look at their day, and maybe their life goals in general, and feel a sense of pride.
Of course, this should be done with caution. Reflection can occasionally lead to overthinking. If someone is open to reflecting at night when they are alone, they likely have the practice down to a science.
6. They are self-aware
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Self-awareness can have a negative connotation. While some may use their self-awareness to find their faults, it’s not always a bad thing to have this trait. Instead of being self-critical, someone who takes time for themselves at night may be better attuned to themselves than others. They know when they need a break and listen to themselves. Instead of forcing themselves to spend time with others, they are aware of what they need at that moment and take it.
“The reality is that true self-awareness isn’t just about spotting weaknesses and tallying up our faults. It’s about seeing the whole picture. The parts that still need work and the parts that are already working beautifully. Our growth points and our skills. Our mistakes and our wins,” says Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D.
7. They value time
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Time is of the essence, they say. We only have so many hours in a day. Most of those hours are spent devoting ourselves to other people. Whether it’s our careers or our families, there can be few, if any, hours to take a break and wind down. Someone who likes to be alone at night likely sees that as the perfect time for a moment of quiet. They know their time is valuable, and do whatever they can to cut out an hour or two to be alone and take a breather.
It’s not always easy to find time to be alone at night. Even if someone prefers it that way, many of us have families who depend on us. When someone understands their time is important, they make sure they spend it in a way that benefits them.
8. They don't need external validation
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Validation often feels good. It allows us to be secure in ourselves. However, some people rely entirely too much on validation. They need to hear words of affirmation from others at all times. This can cause them to lose independence and wish to be with someone at all times to feel that security.
Someone who does not need constant validation thrives in the evening when they are alone with themselves. They can find purpose within themselves. They can spend time alone confidently.
9. They are open-minded
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Believe it or not, people who are happy spending time alone are more likely to be open-minded. These individuals are more open to being single and spending time alone at night. They are not afraid of new experiences, and may find possibilities in spending time alone at night.
“People who like spending time alone and people who are unafraid of being single are also more likely than others to be open-minded. People who are unafraid of being single are more agreeable than people who are afraid of being single,” a study reported on by Bella DePaulo, Ph.D., for Psychology Today found.
10. They are calm
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For some, nighttime brings them a sense of calm. It’s peaceful. There is not much going on around them. They can sit and fully settle into their evening. Being alone can be a calming experience. Maybe they will take this time to meditate or relax into a hobby. Whatever it may be, someone who is calm could enjoy alone time at night to unwind.
While some people avoid alone time at any opportunity, they may need it more than they know. Being alone can help you find calm and stillness in your day. It can help prevent chronic stress and anxiety.
11. They are emotionally mature
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If someone’s emotions feel overwhelming, they may want to surround themselves with others. They can be a distraction or provide the validation they need to feel happy in their own skin. Emotional immaturity can cause people to rely too much on others. They may use others to find their own happiness. It’s not always a great situation. When someone is more emotionally mature, they can enjoy their time alone.
When the moon is out and the house is quiet, emotionally mature people may thrive. They are comfortable in stillness and value their time alone. They do not need constant attention from others. They may find their peace late at night.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
