loner

A loner is a label for a person who avoids, or is isolated from human interaction. A loner is someone who is not chronically around other people, voluntarily or involuntarily.

There are many reasons for solitude, intentional or otherwise. Various mental illnesses and social difficulties can be linked to reclusiveness, however no specific cause is implied by the term loner. The term loner is usually used with a negative connotation in the belief that humans are social creatures and those that do not participate are different. The label has often been applied pejoratively by the media to individuals deemed strange or pathetic. The loner may take pride or be ashamed of his or her behavior.

In some cases there is a certain romanticism in the idea of the Loner, or "Lone Wolf" (see The Lone Ranger) since he or she is seen as special and unique. This can be attributed to the notion that truly great people often lurk in the shadows of societies that espouse corrupt and superfical standards of existence. As a result, the concept of a lonely hero is a recurring theme in stories.

Reasons for being a loner

Some individuals refuse to interact with others because of perceived or actual superiority in terms of ethics or intellect. They wish to only relate to individuals they consider worthy of their time and attention. Therefore, this type of loner will have very few intimate relationships. Many feel anxious in their presence because they perceive the loner's disdain towards them. It is also common for people to believe them to be arrogant and egotistic.

Loners may socialize greatly with those in whom they can confide. Unfortunately it takes time for this bond to occur and when someone unknown to a loner enters the social group, the loner will automatically shell up. Shy or lacking self-esteem, some loners can only socialize with people they see constantly. This is in part due to the fact that many are overly self-conscious and believe people are constantly sizing up their attributes. Insecure loners find it excruciating to be in the physical presence of others because they worry they will be judged negatively. Anxiety is a common feature of most of their social interactions. Self-hatred is sometimes the underlying motivation for why a person may isolate himself or herself. A sense of alienation from society can develop as a result.

Other characteristics

While expressing a desire to be alone most of the time, loners do not necessarily reject human contact entirely. An example would be the person who shuns any social interaction with work colleagues beyond what is necessary for fulfilling his or her job description (mainly for practical reasons and to avoid further complicating one’s professional relationships) but who is highly charismatic during parties or social gatherings with people outside work.

The worldview of a loner is distinct from that of the general population. They are less prone to self-deception, and are more likely to hold an accurate view of reality since they are not compelled to conform to societal norms. Often, loners have unusual or unpopular interests and viewpoints that make it difficult for them to relate with others. Hence, before becoming a loner, the loner was already alone.

Studies have shown that isolated individuals are less healthy and more likely to die prematurely than their sociable counterparts.

Fictional loners

• Arthur Hoggett, Babe
• Boo Radley, To Kill a Mockingbird
• Bruce Wayne, Batman
• Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII
• Erik, The Phantom of the Opera
• Ethan Frome, Ethan Frome
• Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal
• Harry Haller, Steppenwolf
• Henry Chinaski, Factotum
• Hiroki Sugimura, Battle Royale
• Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye
• Jay Gatsby, The Great Gatsby
• Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, Perfume
• Jonathan Noel, The Pigeon
• The Man With No Name, Dollars Trilogy
• Meursault, The Stranger
• Paul, Breakfast at Tiffany's
• Peter Parker, Spider-Man
• Phillip Marlowe, The Big Sleep
• Sam Spade, The Maltese Falcon
• Sara Tancredi, Prison Break
• Shadow the Hedgehog
• Sherlock Holmes
• Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid
• Sylar, Heroes
• Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver
• The Underground Man, Notes from Underground
• Vampire Hunter D
• Winston Smith, Nineteen Eighty-Four
• Wolverine, X-Men
• Zarathustra, Thus Spoke Zarathustra

See also

• Avoidant personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder
• Asperger Syndrome
• Social phobia
• Introversion
• Solitude
• Loneliness
• Misanthropy
• Outsider
• Hermit
• Hikikomori
• Byronic hero
• Tragic Hero

External links

• Loner / Seorang Penyendiri
• Angry Loners
• Party of One
• The Anti-Social Club

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