A Merry Loner Is the Destination for Aspiring Independents
We’re on a mission to redefine loneliness.
A Merry Loner’s Manifesto
A Loner isn’t lonely. A Loner does not lack companionship. A Loner isn’t anti-social.
The negative connotation of the word Loner disturbs me. It’s time someone flipped the script on loneliness. Perhaps, a “loneliness epidemic” is the result of a society that lacks independence and contentment with one’s own self. Rhetoric continuously teaches us how to “speak up,” and it often feels like exhibiting as an extrovert is necessary to succeed in modern society. But it takes unique strength to stay introverted and wear the Loner title proudly.
Rather than being pitied, solitude should be respected as a display of inner peace and appreciation of one’s own company.
Life is unpredictable. Going it alone isn’t embarrassing or shameful or lame or scary—it’s the key to finding happiness. Because when you can be happy by yourself, you can do anything.
“Solitude is dangerous. It’s very addictive. It becomes a habit after you realize how peaceful and calm it is.” - Jim Carey
What is A Merry Loner?
A Merry Loner values their own company, having learned to find peace and contentment doing anything on their own.
In a world of extroversion, FOMO (fear of missing out), and over-consumption, a Loner looks inward. Negative connotations, such as shut-ins, recluses, or hermits, reflect the dominance of an extrovert-centric world. But A Merry Loner knows how to find peace from within. They are independent, optimistic, and peacefully exploring their own journey of personal growth.
Here at A Merry Loner, Loners unite to enjoy their independence and grow together—apart.
Start Your Loner Journey.
Who is A Merry Loner?
I’m Meredith (AKA Merry). I’ve always liked doing things by myself: going to restaurants, traveling, shopping, etc.
Throughout my life—at any age or stage—my natural tendency do things alone seemed strange to people. “Good for you,” some would say, giving me a pitiful look. Others would marvel at my solo dinners or Loner weekend getaways: “Wow, I could never do something like that.”
Their reactions puzzled me. To me, it was normal to enjoy time to myself. Throughout my life, it’s always been how I find merriment among the monotony, misery, and malaise.
I created A Merry Loner for introverts and others seeking independence, personal growth, inner peace, and optimism. I am the original Merry Loner, and now I want to help others learn how to redefine loneliness as chosen independence.
Join me to discover (and celebrate) the joys of introversion.
What does it mean to be A Merry Loner?
- Not filling the silence.
- Being unafraid to dine alone.
- Embracing your independence.
- Having the confidence to stay introverted.
- Trusting in yourself to create the life you want.
- Persevering even among life’s monotony, misery, and malaise.
- Preserving inner peace—independent of status, possessions, or anyone else’s approval.
The 4 Stages of Becoming A Merry Loner
A Merry Loner is a destination for anyone on their journey of becoming independently happy. Where are you on your Loner journey?-
Loner Curious
You are exploring our new definition of loneliness and taking your first steps towards chosen independence.
Try this:
- Plan Loner activities.
- Discover the benefits of being a Loner.
- Explore why you’re hesitant to do things alone.
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The Budding Loner
You have moved beyond curiosity and have stepped out on your first Loner experiences. You’re starting small and may still have anxiety, fear, or embarrassment about doing your first Loner activities.
Try this:
- Get a coffee, tea, or daytime drink alone.
- Go shopping alone—clothes, books, anything.
- Hang out in a park, library, or museum alone.
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The Emerging Loner
You are comfortable being a Loner in many situations, usually places you go to frequently, like your local coffee shop. But you may still have some boundaries or insecurities about being alone in bigger, crowded, or unknown public places.
Try this:
- Eat lunch or breakfast out alone while enjoying a book or some healthy scrolling time.
- Sign up and attend a class or workshop by yourself, e.g., cooking, dancing, painting, yoga, etc.
- Go on a day trip to a neighboring town by yourself.
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The Flourishing Loner
You regularly enjoy your own company and spending time alone, even in unknown public places. Still, you may feel the need to “look busy” while you’re alone, or you’re only comfortable doing activities that last an hour or two.
Try this:
- Eat a meal at a restaurant alone—without relying on a book or phone to occupy yourself.
- Go to a festival or concert alone.
- Travel on vacation by yourself.
-
The Enlightened Loner
You’ve learned that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. You’re not afraid to actively spend time by yourself or put yourself out there alone in unknown situations.
Try this:
- Learn more about yourself with a Personal Growth Challenge
- Support a friend on their own Loner journey by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone
- Join the Loner Community to learn from others’ Loner experiences and share yours
The Budding Loner
The Emerging Loner
- Eat lunch or breakfast out alone while enjoying a book or some healthy scrolling time.
- Sign up and attend a class or workshop by yourself, e.g., cooking, dancing, painting, yoga, etc.
- Go on a day trip to a neighboring town by yourself.
-
The Flourishing Loner
- Eat a meal at a restaurant alone—without relying on a book or phone to occupy yourself.
- Go to a festival or concert alone.
- Travel on vacation by yourself.
-
The Enlightened Loner
- Learn more about yourself with a Personal Growth Challenge
- Support a friend on their own Loner journey by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone
- Join the Loner Community to learn from others’ Loner experiences and share yours
