I have always been one to do things with me myself and I. This week was no exception. I went to see my favorite band for two nights in a row alone. That might sound a bit depressing and yes it was a bit at first. It was not originally planned out that way though.

After being ditched for the show, there was nothing stopping me from going. I had these tickets for months and had been looking forward to this for the same amount of time. I was going to matter what. I tried to find others to go but being college students on Halloween with no classes the next morning, most people chose to go out partying instead. So I told myself I would go alone. After my initial sadness and knowing that people would probably pity me, I drove over.

I had a good time taking myself out the first night and got over the initial awkwardness of being alone quickly even though some people were looking at me. The second night was even more of a blast (this night I planned to go solo anyway) and I was not ashamed. There were also a few solo goers like myself I could point out.

Why is this important? For as long as I’ve been able to go out independently I’ve always been judged or questioned for my liking of being alone. I feel like we as a society put too much emphasis and shame on looniness like it is a disease. If you are alone, you are immediately sad and there is something wrong with you. There are times when I get very upset when my personal space or schedule is messed with. I like to distance but then I get upset when I am too distant. It is all by design. Since coming to college, I have been on my own more since I have not really found a solid group yet.

Our society tries to tell individuals that they should not be alone. Look at music, movies, TV, books, among other formats. It’s naturally rooted in our biology that we need others to survive. I just believe its time to stop the shaming in society that we are naturally inclined to do.

I do my best shopping (the most important thing) when I am by myself. I can time manage and find the best items when I do not have to worry about someone else. It sounds horrible but it is very, very true.

I for one, like a great number of people, have a great fear of being judged or criticized by others. I feel that is one reason as to why I like to go out on my own instead of in a group to do as I please. So if you see me out and about solo, don't feel bad. I probably want it that way.