I like to think I am a happy person.

I have a dog, a loving family, school, work and Netflix. Essentially, while my life may not be perfect, I am still satisfied with it.

Until recently

Over the years I have had a few close friends and rare acquaintances. I like keeping my personal life closed, and never really venture to make new friends. While maybe "wallflower" isn't the correct term, I felt a connection between it and me. In high school I was the girl who went to class, ate alone on break, and went to work. In my first college I was the same way, and now I have transferred to another. Initially I had the silent conversation with myself, "will I change this year? Will I venture out and make friends?"

I started out optimistic, ready for the challenge of saying hi to the girl who sat next to me in Communication class or having a shy smile ready for the cute boy who would occasionally glance at me in the cafeteria. But it didn't work for long. Eventually, I sank back into the routine of waking up, going to class, eating alone, going to work, going home. And it didn't bother me! I am a shy individual who sits back and observes. I couldn't find my voice to say hi to the girl, or the courage to send a smile. The scary thoughts of the betrayal I had felt with old friends would keep rushing up.

Being a Wallflower in college is just as scary as high school. You see the same people, eat at the same places, and have the same routines. The same shyness you feel at the high school prom, shows up sitting alone at the football game or school events.

So what do you do?