Psychology says people who have the capacity to be alone without feeling lonely are not indifferent to connection - they're specific about it, and specificity about connection is only possible for someone who has spent enough time alone to know the difference between company that adds something and company that simply fills space - Silicon Canals

"Winnicott's central idea was paradoxical and fascinating. He proposed that the ability to be alone doesn't develop in opposition to connection. It develops because of it."

"The child learns that they can exist without performing, without engaging, without needing to be 'on,' and still be safe. Over time, that internal security becomes portable."

"The capacity to be alone isn't about preferring isolation. It's a complementary skill to the ability to connect with others."

The capacity to be alone is a crucial aspect of emotional maturity, as proposed by Donald Winnicott. This ability arises not from a desire for isolation but from early experiences with reliable caregivers. Such experiences teach individuals that they can exist independently without the need for constant engagement or performance. This internal security fosters a comfort in solitude, allowing individuals to enjoy their own company and feel grounded, rather than viewing loneliness as a problem to solve.

Read at Silicon Canals