Being alone definitely isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
While some people truly love their own company, others can’t seem to stand a moment without being surrounded by other people. Whether it’s because they dislike the quiet, feel uncomfortable with their own thoughts, or just love social, their habits tend to give them away. If you’ve ever wondered whether someone struggles with alone time—or if you’re guilty of these yourself—here are some habits of people who aren’t great at being on their own.
1. They text everyone on their contact list for no reason.
Source: Unsplash When left to their own devices, their phone becomes their lifeline. You’ll catch them sending “Hey, how’s it going?” messages to people they haven’t spoken to in years, just to spark a conversation. Bonus points if they start liking posts from 2014 to get your attention.
2. They constantly need background noise.
Silence is their kryptonite. Whether it’s the TV playing a random show they’re not even watching, a podcast about something they don’t care about, or the same playlist on repeat, they can’t stand the quiet. Without it, they feel like the world is closing in.
3. They jump on every invitation—no matter how inconvenient.
Source: Unsplash It doesn’t matter if the invite is for a last-minute coffee or a road trip at 2 a.m.—if it means avoiding alone time, they’re in. Their calendar might look chaotic, but they’re happy as long as they’re not sitting at home solo.
4. They have a tendency to overshare.
People who struggle with being alone often fill the void by unloading every thought, feeling, or anecdote to whoever will listen. Whether it’s their barista, a coworker, or a random person in line, they treat every interaction as an opportunity for a mini therapy session.
5. They spend hours scrolling through social media.
Source: Unsplash If they’re physically alone, they’ll make up for it by immersing themselves in the online world. Instagram, TikTok, Twitter—you name it, they’re on it, often refreshing their feeds obsessively just to feel connected. The idea of logging off feels like cutting the last thread of connection to the world.
6. They rely heavily on group chats.
Source: Unsplash The group chat is their sanctuary. They’re the ones spamming it with memes, updates, and random thoughts all day, and they get restless if no one replies within five minutes. If the group goes quiet, they’re suddenly very aware of how alone they are.
7. They ask, “What are you up to?” far too often.
This question is their not-so-subtle way of fishing for plans. It’s rarely about genuine curiosity—it’s their code for “Please save me from sitting at home by myself.” If they’re asking you this, they’re hoping you’ll suggest hanging out.
8. They avoid eating alone like it’s the plague.
The idea of sitting at a restaurant or even grabbing a coffee solo is their worst nightmare. If no one is available, they’ll take their food to-go or invent an excuse to avoid dining in. They’d rather skip the meal than face the imagined judgment of strangers.
9. They overbook themselves to the point of exhaustion.
Rather than risk having an evening with no plans, they pack their schedules full. They’re juggling social events, work commitments, and hobbies, all to keep themselves distracted. If they’re exhausted, at least they’re not lonely.
10. They call someone for no particular reason.
“Hey, just checking in” is their go-to line when they’re feeling lonely. It’s not about needing advice or sharing news—they just want someone to keep them company over the phone. If you hear background noise during the call, chances are they’re wandering aimlessly while talking.
11. They overuse “let’s hang out soon” as a lifeline.
For them, this phrase isn’t just polite—it’s a plea for future connection. They’ll suggest vague plans with everyone they meet, just to ensure they always have potential social outings in the pipeline. Whether those plans actually happen is a different story.
12. They gravitate toward crowded places.
Even if they’re technically alone, they’ll choose a bustling coffee shop or a busy park over a quiet corner. Just being around people makes them feel less isolated, even if they don’t actually interact with anyone. The hum of activity is their comfort zone.
13. They buy into trends to feel included.
Whether it’s the latest viral fashion trend or a new must-watch show, they’re quick to jump on board. It’s not just about liking the trend—it’s about having something to talk about with other people. Staying relevant helps them feel connected to the larger world.
14. They always need a “partner” for everything.
From errands to workouts, they avoid doing things solo at all costs. Whether it’s grocery shopping, hitting the gym, or even just running to the post office, they’re constantly asking, “Want to come with me?” because everything feels better with company.
