"You can never be too independent, Darlings"

Independence is not just a personality trait. It's a way of life. Independence is both your greatest trait and your most obvious weakness. Your independence allows you see the world more clearly. Independence gives you a window into how the world really works.

1. Family

Your family is the reason for your independence.

Regardless of your relationship with them, they gave you tools to be the independent person you are. You understand how the real world works. And thanks to them you are perfectly able to call and schedule your own eye appointments without breaking into a cold sweat.

They have taught you the life skills that allow you to say things like,

"I don't need a man," as you fix your own broken dresser drawer.

Your family understands that you've got the skills you need to make it through. They know, that you know, you can do this.

2. Friendships

Friendships are a luxury for you.

You're a natural lone wolf. You don't need a pack to back every decision you make. You don't mind being alone for days on end.

You do what you want because at the end of the day you have to ensure your happiness. No one else is going to do it for you.

You absolutely dread group outings.

No, I don't want to watch you try on six black bathing suits for your cruise to Jamaica.

No, I don't need you to go to the grocery store or the doctor with me. Seriously, why do people do that?

You adore your close friends. But you don't need them to get through the day. You just want them sometimes. And in reality isn't that worth more?

3. Work

You take care of you.

Your job is extremely important to you. It's how you survive. People may describe you as intense or a workaholic. They don't understand that to you, work isn't just a job. Your job is your life. You work hard and you work smart.

You take on solo projects because you know you can handle them. In group situations, you take lead and never look back. You understand what needs to be done and you do it yourself.

4. Self-worth

Let's be honest here, you know you've got it going on. You're the friend that makes all your other friends feel like they're failing at life. You have all of your ducks, and their ducklings in a row.

You do this because in your mind no one else is going to. You're responsible for how the world sees you. So you make sure that they only see the best.

Basically you love you, like Kanye loves Kanye. You are immune from seeking validation from others. However, being told you're doing the right thing is always going to make you grin.

That also means once you've made up your mind about yourself not just anyone is going to change it. But it doesn't hurt for them to try either.

5. Dreams

Your dreams aren't just dreams.

They aren't what you wish you could one day maybe do. Your dreams have plans. Big plans: Plans that scare others around you.

You aren't afraid to follow your dream of living in the rain forests of Brazil. You aren't afraid to call your dream job and ask for information. Moving to a new city doesn't frighten you because in your eyes it's a challenge. You don't think twice when a new opportunity comes your way. You work hard for what you want and work even harder for what you're dreaming of.

If it's going to improve your future, you go after it like a sorority girl goes after free booze and pizza. You don't wait for someone to push you towards your goals and aspirations. You push yourself. You're your own motivation.

6. Love

Love for an independent person is hard.

Sharing your emotions doesn't come naturally for you. At times people are put off by your cold exterior. But that's who you are unapologetically.

You don't need someone to be happy. You don't need someone to motivate you. You don't need someone to make you feel good about your butt. You don't need anyone at all. Yet, when an independent person is in love they want all of those things and then some.

Loving yourself has allowed you to get to where you are and will ensure you get to where you are going. However, loving someone else and having them love you, well, let's just say it makes you uneasy. Love for an independent person comes out of nowhere because you aren't ever looking for some sort of validation from another. You just wake up one day and know. Be patient with us, that day may not be too far off.

Independence is more than a personality trait. It truly is who you are. Don't rag on someone because they're always ridin' solo. More than likely their dreams are so big they don't need any company.