Overview
There is no distinct type of individual personality deserving of the name of loner. Anyone who spends most or all of his or her time alone for any reason, belongs to the category. There are two well known types: The first type includes individuals that prefer solitude and are content to have very limited social interaction. The second type includes individuals that are forced to be isolated because they are rejected by society. This individual typically experiences loneliness. The first type often does not feel lonely even when they are alone, at least, not in the same way as would a social person who found themselves isolated. However, these are very broad generalizations and it is not uncommon for loners to experience both of these dimensions at some point. Furthermore, people sometimes force themselves into a life of solitude as a direct result of impulsive, often anti-social, behavior on their part. Neighbors or peers (if any) of loners may think them weird, and even intimidating.
In popular culture, there is a certain romanticism in the idea of the loner since they are seen as special and unique. The concept of a lonely hero (or antihero) is a recurring theme in stories.
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