Living by yourself has some perks. You get to make all the decisions. You get to do what you want to do. You get to decide where to live and how to live.

Living with others has some perks too. You generally have safety and security in numbers. More people to do the work helps get things done. More people usually results in smarter and better decision making.

However, have you thought about what would happen if you went from being a lone wolf to living in a group setting?

Many people have feelings one way or another about what is best for a survival situation. Many people believe that having a group will improve your chances of survival. Many other people believe that being alone will mean that you just have yourself to rely on and only need to provide for yourself.

Neither theory is wrong. For most preppers, it is a personal decision based on who you believe you can rely on, how close your family is, how reliable the people around you are, and if they believe the same things you do. Some people just prefer to be alone and enjoy their own company. Some people can’t live a day without some interaction from other people. That being said, it is a personal decision to be a lone wolf versus being in a group.

Sometimes though, situations happen that may cause you to re-evaluate that decision and possibly change your mind. You may enter into a relationship and decide to live with that person. You may realize that you can no longer make it on your own and need to be with others. You may realize the group is no longer functioning well and you need to make a break from it.

Focusing on going from being alone to being in a group, a person will have to make adjustments. People on both sides will need to have a lot of patience learning new routines and the process of getting to know the group. The lone wolf will more than likely experience times of frustration, questioning his decision, confusion, and sadness. This will be especially true if they have been alone for a long time.

When one is used to being the lone wolf for many years, the impact of being in a group can be hard on that lone wolf. The adjustments that need to be made can impact them emotionally, mentally, and physically. For a former lone wolf to cope with a group living situation, they should be told what their role in the group is, given a place for their things and to think, and positive feedback and encouragement. They need to know they are a valued member of the group.

Communication is key for both the lone wolf and the group. The lone wolf should be made aware of the group schedule, what work duties need to be done everyday, security protocol, and any rules and regulations for the group. A person from the group should be made available to help guide the new group member as well as answer any questions and concerns that will arise. Doing this will help make the transition smoother for the new group member.

In some situations, the lone wolf may come to the conclusion that he is not a good fit for the group. He may feel like he is not welcome or a valued member of the group. In this case, the group has two options. They can sit down and address the lone wolf’s concerns. Or they could just let the lone wolf go on his way.

Sometimes these situations will not work out. That is not the hoped for outcome, but that is what happens sometimes. You cannot expect that everything will be ideal and happy all the time. You cannot think that a lone wolf will automatically just adjust to being around people. You cannot expect that a group will be welcoming and understanding all the time. There is just enough different personalities and attitudes that may not mesh well.

Are you part of a prepping group? Are you a lone wolf? How would you cope?

Thanks for reading,
Erica

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