Mom invites miserable uncle on son's solo trip despite his wishes: 'I was really looking forward to some solitude'

Solo traveling can do wonders, but only if you protect your peace. 

If you've ever taken a trip by yourself, you know just how meaningful this can be to your own well-being. It can teach you a lot about yourself and make you realize that you don't need to wait on other people to do the things you'd like to do. You don't need to wait for someone else to want to hike across Peru with you… You can do it all on your own. We're constantly surrounded by obligation, especially if you're a parent. You spend all day answering other people's requests, whether it be at work or at home. Solo traveling is one of the only times when we truly have no masters other than ourselves. We can decide exactly what we're going to do that day, and then we can do it, and no one will be able to stop us. 

Solo traveling is a luxury, but it's not one that many people understand. Some folks just don't get the urge to strike out on your own, and might even judge you for it. They might wonder if you're lonely or worry that you're going to be unsafe. They don't realize that these two things are ultimately under your control, and you're better off than you would be otherwise. But it's tough when the people in your family do not realize what you're doing, and therefore try to control your journey. That's what happened in this story.