Solitude & Independance or Social Connection?

With Elliot & Stella

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Honestly, I think life is about balance, but personally, I need more social time in my life. Like, when it comes to productivity, I’d rather be around people. Studying with friends, setting goals together, and even heading to the library can make work feel fun and motivating instead of boring.

But doesn’t that depend on the people you’re with? If they’re distracting, you won’t get anything done. For me, I work best when I’m alone, like sitting quietly in my room with music on. That’s how I can focus without distractions.

I think it’s all about choosing the right people. Being with friends you trust and feel comfortable with makes a difference. Sometimes, it’s just about being in the same space, even if you’re in “different zones.”

I still think that being alone is better. There are always distractions when people are around. Being by myself lets me fully focus without the social pressure, having to keep up with conversations or worrying about what others are doing.

Even if being around others is distracting, isn’t that okay sometimes? Studying isn’t everything. Being with people adds so much to life, and the support they give can help with more than just work.

I guess, but I like solving my own problems. Being independent is important because you won’t always have someone to rely on. Building that skill is good for personal growth.

I get that, but it’s not all about doing everything alone. I feel I am generally an independent person, I look after my daily needs and I do my work by myself, but I will look for feedback and other’s opinions. Being with people who care about you improves your well-being and helps you feel less lonely. When you’re happy and supported, everything—including work—becomes easier. Sure, maybe you could have solved the problem yourself, but maybe someone else had a better alternative solution. Even if they didn’t, hearing other's ideas and views helps broaden your thought processes and helps you grow.

I don’t know. Sometimes being alone feels just as fulfilling. It gives you the chance to reflect, figure out your emotions, and grow without outside influences. I think that is what I need to recharge.

I hear that, I don’t think that is me generally, occasionally, not all the time. What I think about the lifelong memories you might’ve missed with your friends. Those shared moments—like going out for ice cream or spending time at the beach—are things you look back on and treasure. Also, a part of growth comes from learning through others, doesn’t it?

Maybe, but solitude and knowing how to do things independently gives you freedom. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s schedule, deal with social expectations, or worry about judgment, as mentioned.

That’s true, but working with others is a part of life. Whether it’s at work or in relationships, you need to enjoy being around people to fully experience everything life has to offer. Through spending time with people you learn to understand them more. Also, if you spend time with a variety of people you might just find someone that you feel comfortable around, no judgements or expectations attached.

I guess it’s all about finding that balance—independence gives you strength, but social connections bring joy.

Exactly! You need both to thrive. Actually, I saw an article that said that people lived the longest and had the best quality of life if they had a more social connections.