The Loner

A loner is a label for a person who avoids, or is isolated from human interaction. There are many reasons for solitude, intentional or otherwise.

The term loner is usually used with a negative connotation in the belief that humans are social creatures and those that do not participate are different. The label has often been applied pejoratively by the media to individuals deemed strange or pathetic. The loner may take pride in or be ashamed of his or her behavior.

Possible reasons

Some individuals refuse to interact with others because of perceived or actual superiority in terms of ethics or intellect. They relate only to individuals they consider worthy of their time and attention. Therefore, this type of loner will have very few intimate relationships. Many non-loners feel anxious in their presence because they perceive the loner's disdain towards them; it is also common for such people to believe that loners are arrogant and egotistic.

Loners may socialize greatly with those in whom they can confide. It takes a long time for this bond to occur and when someone unknown to a loner enters the social group, the loner will automatically shell up. Shy or lacking self-esteem, some loners can socialize only with people they see constantly. This is in part due to the fact that many are overly self-conscious and believe people are constantly sizing up their attributes. Insecure loners find it excruciating to be in the physical presence of others because they worry they will be judged negatively. Anxiety is a common feature of their social interactions. Self-hatred is sometimes the underlying motivation for why a person may isolate themselves. A sense of alienation from society can develop as a result.


Possible characteristics
While expressing a desire to be alone most of the time, loners do not necessarily reject human contact entirely. Some loners are able to act "normally" in a social setting. However, the strain of being in a situation which is uncomfortable will leave them mentally and emotionally exhausted. Therefore, they will have to retreat for a significant amount of time before being able to do so again.

Extra
Famous loners span every era, every realm. Albert Einstein, Anne Rice, Michelangelo, Isaac Newton, Stanley Kubrick, John Lennon, Emily Dickinson, Kurt Cobain, Haruki Murakami, Charles Schulz, Saint Anthony, and Joe DiMaggio....

Not to mention Superman & Batman!

Source

Gary Moore - The Loner