Man, I totally related to just about everything in here.

Reading this I could see a lot of myself in there. I think I could be quite happy being very hermit like with my wife for company and my fishing rod handy to wade Tampa Bay 100 yards away. After selling my company two years ago where I was constantly in meetings or traveling or on phone calls, I found that semi-isolation rather refreshing. This year I've been reaching out more and getting involved in a small golf group (walkers) and a small pickle ball group for a combination of exercise and socialization. I still find it a little hard to "mingle" with civilians after having been in the counter-terrorism, law enforcement and intelligence fields for the past 51 years. As the article says, I'm finding my balance and it is worthwhile doing that. The fact that you asked the question is a good thing!! Good luck with it.

I prefer to be generally isolated in the physical sense (in person or on the phone). My hubby, my animals and me, that's good. Sometimes I have to go out and grocery shop or attend appointments, or go to church. It's generally a burden to do so. I talk to a lot of people on the internet, and that is enough "socialization" for me. But, if you are feeling isolated, then it's your subconscious talking to you to pay attention and see if there is something more you need to be doing. Someone you should be reaching out to. It is a delicate balance between solitude and hiding away. Sometimes I'm on one side of the line, sometimes, the other.