Despite the millions (and I mean millions) of people who live alone, solo living is still seen as going against the grain. Outside of the misleading stereotypes of why people live on their own, is there something to be said about the idea that being a one-man/woman band lends itself more to certain personality types? 

For most of the Big 5 personality traits, there could be an argument that either extreme would fit nicely with the personality of a solo liver. Conscientiousness, for example, could easily compliment someone who lives alone on both ends of the personality scale. Those who are organised and enjoy having a tight schedule will suit not having the liability of another person encroaching on their plans. Alternatively, those who like to fly with the wind and see what happens will benefit from not having a housemate or partner to set expectations on how they should live their life in their own home. 

Likewise, people on either end of the neuroticism spectrum could both suit solo life. Having complete control over your home, how you live and the routines you follow can help reduce acute anxiety in those with panic disorders (also good to note that this might not always be the case). In comparison people on the opposite end of neuroticism, who rarely become stressed or anxious about the unknown or what if’s, can equally find comfort living alone in their own space with their own company to do as they please when they please. 

Out of the five, I would argue that agreeableness is a personality trait that has the least impact on whether a person would find more comfort than others in living on their own. 

Of all the personality traits, the spectrum of extroversion to introversion is likely to be the most attributed to the personalities of people who live on their own, with the assumption that solos are mostly introverts. However, if we’ve learnt anything so far it’s that people from all walks of life, types of personalities and backgrounds end up enjoying life on their own terms and by living alone. 

People who naturally find themselves on the more extroverted side of life might find that living alone allows them time to recharge and not feel that they’re in competition with someone in their own space. Naturally, solo life does seem to lend itself well to people who find comfort on the introverted side of the spectrum. Being an introvert, much like the reasons why people live alone, are exaggerated through other people’s opinions and lack of understanding.

It is often misunderstood as being shy, nervous in social situations or even lacking confidence. This isn’t necessarily the case, as discussed by Susan Cain in her TED talk ‘The Power of Introverts’. Cains explains that being introverted or extroverted is based on how you respond to stimulation rather than how confident you are. Those who tip into introversion find that they don’t need so much stimulation unlike their extroverted counterparts, which means they often prefer and find happiness in activities they can do on their own. 

Even if as a community we might have a higher percentage of introverted personalities, it doesn’t mean we just want to close the door to the world. It just means we don’t need the same interactions or engagements as others to feel content or comfortable. Some of the most well-known names are self-described introverts; Dr Seus, Albert Einstein and Elenor Roosevelt among them.