Dear Queenie,
I’m not antisocial, but I do need time to be by myself to just read or watch TV or whatever I feel like doing at the moment. But there is always some friend or relative or neighbour who calls or drops in to keep me company so I won’t be all alone.
Queenie, how do I explain to them when that happens that “alone” is just what I want to be?—Retiree
Dear Retiree,
It is quite alright to – politely – tell a person who drops in or calls that you are busy doing (whatever) or that you need to be by yourself at that moment and please to come or call back at (whatever time you would welcome their company or conversation). Eventually they will get the idea.
But try to make some time when you would welcome a little company, so that you do not find yourself totally isolated.
