Positive Solitude : A Practical Program for Mastering Loneliness and Achieving Self-Fulfillment

by Rae André

How can a person alone find love and meaning in life? Being happy alone is an essential life skill that psychologist Rae André calls positive solitude. Here is an intelligent response to the loneliness, loss of community, and desperate relationships that have become so much a part of our times. This holistic approach explains how to avoid the traps of loneliness while learning to face the challenges of living alone. Positive Solitude is a clear, practical guide for those who are newly alone or unhappy alone, and an affirmation for those who have long enjoyed their solitude.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Micaela Pirritano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a bit out of date in some areas, this book is full of wisdom that I wish I'd read when I was about to move out and go to university. Nearly 10 years late, but so glad I found it. As someone who is fairly community-centred, I'd been cautious of embracing solitude after the end of a long relationship, but now I feel protective of my solitude, and relish in it. This book has provided both theoretical knowledge and tangible steps to take in building a relationship with yourself. I'm grateful.

[Louis Porter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the book having some great nuggets of wisdom that I really related to, it is full of waffle, containing lots of excerpts from other literature that felt like it was trying to fit a word count quota rather than add anything.

[Ellen Bard · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a bit anachronistic in places, this is a very interesting exploration of a topic that doesn't get a lot of attention.

[Rita Anemone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book you need about dealing with loneliness. It is my favourite book.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this right after moving away from home in 1993. It helped me adapt to living on my own in an otherwise empty apartment. I haven't read it since but I have always kept it and feel that I owe some foundational life views to this book.

[Neeraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one problem I've been dealing with since childhood. This book seems practical and thus far has been incredible. It helped me identify loneliness traps and gave me a lot of insights.
Excited to be reading this!

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty practical, quick read. Didn't tell me much that I hadn't already thought of though. Good for someone who is not so good about being on their own.