Possible Characteristics
While expressing a desire to be alone, 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 or school, or vice-versa.
Most loners are able to act "normally" in a social setting. However, the strain of being in a situation which is uncomfortable may leave some mentally and emotionally exhausted. They may have to retreat for a significant amount of time before being able to do so again. This is a characteristic of introversion, however, the two are not related. Introversion merely describes the need to socially "recharge in isolation" rather than "recharge with company", which describes Extroversion. Both Introverts, and Extroverts can experience loneliness to the same degree and hold the label of loners. Introverts may have a higher chance of getting lonely in crowds or gatherings, but feel normal in isolation or perhaps with a few close individuals. Extroverts may feel more lonely in isolation or with few individuals around. However, this is largely dependent on the person and the complex psycho-social dynamics of his or her environment.
The typical loner exhibits the personality trait known as introversion more than the average person. They are drawn to solitary activities instead of social ones. This may be due to both innate personality traits as well as life experiences.
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