Over the past few years, I've realized that I am quite the minimalist. It all began when I moved away to college and brought as little with me as I possibly could since I had to drive across the country for college and my little Mini Cooper had very limited space. After living a full year with only the basics in my dorm, I realized that I feel so much less stressed out and overwhelmed when I own fewer "things." In fact, I feel free and less weighed down! Here are five characteristics that I've discovered about myself that seem to be common in other minimalists.

1. I would rather receive non-tangible gifts.

Like I mentioned before, having too many "things" overwhelms me and makes me feel weighed down. I would much rather prefer a gift that is non-tangible, such as a concert ticket or a night out to a wonderful vegan restaurant. If you do decide to get me a tangible gift, it's best to get me something useful that I would usually buy, such as food or clothing.

2. I don't own that many pieces of clothing.

Rather than purchasing clothes all the time, I prefer to own a few pairs of jeans and some shirts. It's easier for me to pick out my outfit for the day when I don't have too many options to choose from. Plus, it's much cheaper and I can spend more on the few pieces of clothing I do purchase.

3. I like to spend money on experiences.

Since I don't spend that much money on tangible products, I have more money to spend on services and experiences. For instance, I would much rather go out to dinner than purchase a lot of clothes or decorative items for my dorm. I would also much rather spend money on a trip than spend an exorbitant amount of cash on shoes.

4. I don't like to waste anything.

Although it may seem that a person who doesn't want to waste anything would be a hoarder, the case is actually the opposite. Rather than purchasing goods that would go to waste, I am very discriminate in what I purchase and make every effort to only buy things that I will use. This even applies to food: If I don't think I will eat the entirety of the food I purchase, I will either not buy it in the first place or give the food to someone else who will eat it.

5. I would rather have a few close friends than many superficial ones.

Although I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people, it is more enjoyable for me to get to know someone personally. I get more out of long, deep conversations than I do more superficial ones; I prefer to get to know my friends very well and try to understand who they are and what they stand for.

Here are just a few of the characteristics that make me a minimalist. Do you think you might be a minimalist like me?