Glossary
Glossary
Short definitions A to Z. Each term links to a full explanation with examples.
A
- Alone era
- Alone era meaning: a chosen stretch of life spent focusing on yourself. Also called single era or solitude era. Checklist, differences and 3 starter steps.
- Ambivert
- Ambivert meaning: someone between introvert and extravert who adapts to the situation. Definition, signs, a comparison table and how to use the idea.
- Anticipatory anxiety
- Anticipatory anxiety meaning: worry or dread about something that has not happened yet. Definition, examples, how it differs from fear and a rating exercise.
- Assertiveness
- Assertiveness means stating your needs and views clearly while respecting others. See passive, assertive and aggressive side by side, plus three scripts.
- Autonomy
- Autonomy meaning: acting on your own choices and values instead of pressure. Definition, examples from everyday life, and how it differs from independence.
- Autophobia
- Autophobia meaning: a term for fear of being alone, also called monophobia or eremophobia. What the words mean, what is common, and when to ask a professional.
- Avoidance
- Avoidance coping meaning: steering clear of something that makes you uneasy. Definition, everyday examples, the short-term relief versus long-term cost.
B
- Bed rotting
- Bed rotting means spending hours in bed on purpose to rest, scroll or watch things. Meaning, rest vs avoidance self-check and a gentle exit plan.
- Behavioral experiment
- Behavioral experiment meaning: test a prediction by trying it and comparing the result. Definition, a worked solo example and a table of predictions vs reality.
- Boundaries
- Boundaries meaning: the limits you set on what you will do, share or accept. Boundary vs rule vs request, plus 3 scripts for friends and plans.
C
- Cognitive distortions
- Cognitive distortions meaning: habitual thinking patterns that twist reality. Definition plus 8 everyday social examples and a way to question each one.
- Comfort zone
- Comfort zone meaning: the situations where you feel at ease and in control. Definition, examples, where the idea comes from and how to widen yours safely.
D
- Deep talk
- Deep talk is meaningful conversation about values, feelings and experiences. Learn how it differs from small talk and 8 bridge questions between them.
E
- Emotional intelligence
- Emotional intelligence meaning: noticing, understanding and handling feelings in yourself and others. Four everyday examples and how journaling builds it.
- Exposure therapy
- Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment where you gradually face feared situations with professional guidance. Meaning, examples and key limits.
- Extrovert
- Extrovert meaning in plain words: someone who gains energy from people and activity. Common myths, extroverts and alone time, and introvert pairings.
F
- FOMO
- FOMO meaning: fear of missing out, the uneasy feeling that others are having a better time. Usage in texts, examples, and what to do when you go alone.
G
- Glow up
- Glow up is slang for a visible positive change in looks, confidence or life. Slang meaning, examples and a habits-based version beyond appearance.
- Growth mindset
- Growth mindset meaning: believing abilities can develop with practice. Plain definition, common misreadings, solo-outing examples and honest limits.
H
- Habit stacking
- Habit stacking means attaching a new habit to one you already do. A short definition and example. The full how-to guide is linked below.
- Highly sensitive person
- Highly sensitive person meaning: a non-diagnostic term for people who process sensory and emotional input deeply. Traits, overlap with introversion, tips.
- Hikikomori
- Hikikomori meaning: a Japanese term for severe, prolonged social withdrawal at home. Careful definition, how it differs from solitude, and where to get help.
I
- Introvert
- Introvert meaning: someone who gains energy from quiet time and finds long social events tiring. Definition, traits, examples and how it differs from shy.
J
- JOMO
- JOMO meaning: the joy of missing out, being content to skip plans. How it differs from introversion and avoidance, with a 5-question self-check.
L
- Loneliness epidemic
- Loneliness epidemic meaning: a phrase for widespread loneliness in society. What it does and doesn't mean for you personally, and small steps to try.
- Loner
- Loner meaning: someone who prefers to be alone. Loner vs introvert vs lone wolf in a table, why the label carries stigma, and how to own your solo style.
M
- Me time
- Me time meaning: time set aside for yourself to rest or enjoy what you like. Definition, a simple scheduling method, and how it differs from isolation.
- Micro adventure
- Micro adventure meaning: a short, close-to-home outing that feels like an adventure. Definition plus 10 solo examples under 3 hours, by mission category.
O
- Omnivert
- Omnivert meaning: someone whose social energy swings between extremes. Omnivert vs ambivert vs introvert vs extrovert in one table, plus a self-check.
P
- Parasocial
- Parasocial meaning: a one-sided bond with a creator, streamer or public figure. When it helps, when it hurts, and 3 small steps toward real contact.
- People pleasing
- People pleasing meaning: putting others' wants ahead of your own to avoid conflict. Difference from kindness, 6 examples and a tiny no-practice ladder.
- Perfectionism
- Perfectionism meaning: setting very high standards and judging yourself harshly when you miss them. Definition, examples, and how it differs from ambition.
R
- Rejection sensitivity
- Rejection sensitivity means expecting, noticing and reacting strongly to possible rejection. Plain meaning, what it is not, and small coping steps.
- Rejection therapy
- Rejection therapy is a social game of seeking out rejection to lose the fear of it. A short definition and what it is not. Full guide linked below.
S
- Self-acceptance
- Self-acceptance meaning: acknowledging yourself as you are, flaws included, without needing to be perfect first. Definition, examples, and 3 simple practices.
- Self-awareness
- Self-awareness meaning: noticing your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour as they are. Definition, inner vs outer awareness, examples and a simple exercise.
- Self-efficacy
- Self-efficacy meaning: your belief that you can do what a situation demands. Definition, Bandura's origin, examples and how it differs from self-esteem.
- Self-image
- Self-image meaning: the mental picture you hold of who you are. Definition, how it differs from self-esteem, how it forms and how to update it with evidence.
- Self-love
- Self-love meaning: caring about your own wellbeing and treating yourself kindly through actions. Definition, what it is not, and practical ways to practise it.
- Self-reliance
- Self-reliance meaning: relying on your own judgment and abilities to handle things. Definition, Emerson's essay, examples and how to build it step by step.
- Self-respect
- Self-respect meaning: treating yourself with dignity through your choices and limits. Definition, everyday examples and how it differs from self-esteem.
- Self-worth
- Self-worth meaning: the sense that you matter, whatever you achieve. Definition, examples and a table comparing self-worth, self-esteem and confidence.
- Slow living
- Slow living means choosing an unhurried, intentional pace in daily life. Meaning, a practical slow-day schedule and how it relates to a digital detox.
- Small talk
- Small talk is light, casual conversation about everyday topics that builds rapport. Meaning, origin, examples and how it differs from deep conversation.
- Small wins
- Small wins meaning in one sentence, Karl Weick's 1984 origin, a table of big goals and their small wins, and how to pick one you can finish in a day.
- Social anxiety
- Social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. Meaning, common signs and how it differs from shyness.
- Social battery
- Social battery meaning: the energy you have for people before you need rest. Examples, synonyms, signs of a low battery and simple ways to recharge.
- Social skills
- Social skills are the learned abilities you use to communicate and get along with others. Meaning, a skills table, examples and social intelligence explained.
- Soft life
- A soft life means prioritising ease, rest and low stress. Meaning, how it relates to solo days and low-pressure routines, plus a caution on consumerism.
- Solitude
- Solitude meaning: time alone that you choose and that feels restful or meaningful. Definition, examples, and how it differs from loneliness and isolation.
- Solo dating
- Solo date meaning in plain words: a planned outing you take with yourself, not an app or a status. Definition, five ideas by effort, and how to start.
- Spotlight effect
- The spotlight effect is the habit of overestimating how much others notice you. A short definition, origin and example. Full guide linked below.
T
- Third place
- Third place meaning: the social spot that is not home or work. Oldenburg's concept, a pick-your-third-place table and a 4-week regulars plan.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
