"Si te sientes solo cuando estás solo, estás en mala compañía"

Being able to enjoy your own company is a crucial part of being happy. If you find yourself feeling lonely when you’re by yourself, it’s a sign that you might not be comfortable with who you are. This idea brings up a big question: how much do you actually like yourself? After all, you spend more time with yourself than with anyone else.

Think about when this sentiment might have been relevant. Maybe it was during a time when people were forced to isolate—like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone was stuck at home, separated from friends, family, and coworkers. For many, it felt like a mirror was suddenly held up to their lives. Some discovered that their inner selves weren’t the best company.

Let’s look at a real-world example. Imagine Jane, a busy marketing executive. She’s always running from one meeting to the next, surrounded by people. When the lockdown hit, she was home alone and it was tough. Days felt endless. She realized she wasn’t just missing the people—she was missing distractions that kept her from facing how she felt inside. She had to sit with her thoughts, and that was a struggle.

So, what can we do about it? How do we become better company for ourselves? Start by spending some intentional time alone. Not the kind where you're scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows—real, quality time doing things that help you get to know yourself better. This might be as simple as going for a walk and leaving your phone at home, picking up a new hobby, or journaling.

Here’s some advice: when you’re alone, don’t rush to fill the silence. Let it linger. Maybe it feels uncomfortable at first, but that’s okay. Use the time to reflect on your day, your goals, your dreams—whatever comes to mind. You might find that the more you do this, the less awkward it feels, and the more you start to enjoy your own company.

Let me tell you about Sam. He was always surrounded by friends and family. His social calendar was packed. But one summer, his friends went on a long trip he couldn’t join. Suddenly, he had a lot of free time. At first, he was jittery. He didn’t know what to do with himself. But he decided to explore his town on his own—going to museums, trying out new coffee shops, and even starting a little herb garden on his balcony. By the time his friends were back, Sam had discovered that he actually enjoyed spending time alone. He felt more at peace and less reliant on others to entertain him.

Taking a page from Sam’s book, try finding small ways to enjoy solitude. Start with something you love or have always wanted to try. It might be cooking a new recipe, painting, or even just sitting in a park watching the world go by. The key is to engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.

Remember, it's about becoming a person whose own company is enjoyable. It's a journey, and every step you take towards it makes you a little more comfortable in your own skin. So, give it a shot. The next time you’re alone, embrace it. You might find that your own company is pretty great after all.