This week's guest, Thuy-vy Nguyen, PhD, is one of the world’s leading researchers on solitude, and an associate professor at Durham University’s dedicated research lab, Solitude Lab. Her interest is in ‘ordinary, everyday life solitude’, the kind you’re more likely to find in the corner of a cafe than on a 10-day silent meditation retreat. It’s solitude in moderation – or what we on this podcast like to call alonement.This episode is an edifying exploration of the latest in solitude research, from how the experience of being alone affects our mental state to the pros and cons of labelling yourself an introvert/extrovert. We also talk about solitude skills, and how almost anyone can get better at it – no matter how much they hate it to begin with.You can find out more about Thuy-vy’s brilliant work on the Solitude Lab website. Meanwhile, stay in touch with me on Instagram @chezspecter and on Substack – francescaspecter.substack.com Referenced in the show:Solitude: Seeking Wisdom in Extremes - A Year Alone in the Patagonia Wilderness by Robert KullSolitude: In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World by Michael HarrisSolitude Skills and the Private Self – Research paper authored by Virginia ThomasA Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.