"I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel"

Audrey Hepburn’s reflection on solitude reveals a profound understanding of her own nature and what it requires to maintain emotional and mental balance. Beneath her glamorous public persona lies the simple truth that some people need time apart from others to recover their energy and restore their sense of self. Her words highlight the distinction between loneliness and solitude; while loneliness might evoke a sense of isolation or sadness, solitude can be a source of comfort, renewal, and strength.

Choosing to spend an entire weekend alone isn’t an act of rejection or withdrawal from the world but a conscious effort to reconnect internally. In a society that often values constant interaction, busyness, and social visibility, Hepburn’s preference is a gentle reminder that well-being sometimes requires stepping back. She recognizes her emotional limits and respects the boundaries that allow her to function at her best. The metaphor “refuel” suggests a parallel with a car in need of gas: after a journey, energy reserves are depleted and must be replenished before setting out again.

For introverts, or even for those who simply find social environments draining, this sentiment resonates deeply. The physical space of her apartment becomes a sanctuary, a place where she can shed external expectations and pressures. Alone in familiar surroundings, she can engage in whatever activities bring comfort, reading, cooking, reflecting, or even just being still. This period of solitude acts as an antidote to the demands of public life, allowing her to regain clarity, balance, and creative energy.

Hepburn’s statement implicitly challenges the negative connotations often attached to solitude. Rather than viewing aloneness as problematic, she frames it as essential self-care. Her honesty encourages others to recognize and honor their own needs, resisting societal pressure to always be available, productive, or socially engaged. By sharing her truth, she lends dignity and value to the quiet, restorative moments many people quietly crave.