I grew up as an only child, so I was used to being on my own. I met my girlfriend when I was 29 (I'm 40 now), and before then, for the most part, I lived at home with my parents, and although I did spend some time with them, I spent most of my time alone in my bedroom. I had it fully kitted out
. Then about 6 months after meeting the girlfriend, I moved into her flat, after which I was virtually never alone; at first I hated it! It felt very claustrophobic and undoubtedly fuelled arguments.
I'm used to it now though. I think as I've aged, I've got a better balance. I work in IT, and I used to have a desk in the main office with the 'users' but I kept getting moved around so I got sick of that and I now have my desk in the build room which is a small build area that only I and the office floor managers can access. This means I can be on my own but equally I try and get out into the office whenever possible just so I don't get cabin fever (and to show my face, obviously!).
Girlfriend and I work in the same building now (not the same company, thankfully!), which happened by accident and now means that I spend even more time with her than before. I walk to work and back with her and see her on lunch. I felt this was getting a bit too much, so now I have an hour a night in my "man cave" at home to play games, listen to music and just chill without having to speak to anyone. She is supportive of this and she gets to watch her .... on the TV so doesn't mind so much. She also visits her mother every Saturday meaning i get a few hours then. She seems to thrive on company whereas I am the opposite. I do enjoy socialising but then I need me time. Basically, I think that makes me an introvert?