For those who enjoy playing alone to those who haven’t yet tried it, I offer a little story and video.

Erwin and Marilee

Erwin was a fellow who stapled three sheets to the wind each evening before going home to his empty house, whereupon entry, the silence was deafening.  He’d predicate his homecoming on promises to engage in a quick, non-threatening conversation with himself, nothing too invasive, just a little complementary repartee.  If that went well, he’d settle into a longer, more interesting exchange over dinner, then reward himself with a favorite TV show or book before bed.  This wasn’t easy for dear Erwin, who had never learned how to enjoy the pleasure of his own company.

Unlike Erwin, Marilee’s nature mimicked her name.  She, indeed, went about her life merrily, in and out of the company of her family and friends.  She engaged in full, drama-length stage shows expressed in her living room, playing all the characters at once, talking over herself until overtaken by laughs, she lay sprawled on the floor glowing with the pleasure of her own company.

I realize Erwin and Marilee are extreme examples and that you’ll likely fall somewhere in between.  And it’s good to fall, especially into your own lap, face up, laughing like there’s no tomorrow, because you never know.  So let’s make the best of it.