Albert Einstein once said, "The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." Contrastingly, Thomas Aquinas argues, "There is nothing more prized than true friendship." Whoever you agree with, either or both, it is important to remember that in life friends will come and go, but you will always have yourself. It isn't a bad thing. In fact, you can take that solitude and turn it into something amazing.
Don't get me wrong, friends are great to have, but having more doesn't always make it merrier. Actually, I recommend you have a small, tight-knit group of friends versus a huge amount of individuals who barely know you. Why is that? Well, having a smaller group of friends has its benefits. You and your friends know each other much better than if it were a larger group. They tend to be there for you when you truly need them compared to just someone you barely know in a bigger group too. Sure, having a smaller circle of people you call friends may not make you the most popular person on campus, but it is highly worth the sacrifice. You do not need popularity when you have a strong group of people you can call your second family.
Why are large groups of friends bad? They aren't bad, but they sure aren't as meaningful and rewarding as relationships found in smaller groups. Big groups have an abundant amount of individuals who are all "friends" with each other, sometimes even an overabundance, so what exactly does that mean? You all barely know each other! If someone does not know you that well, I would call it being acquaintances more than making the stretch of calling you friends. When there comes a time that you truly need help or someone to be there for you, I'm sure you'd appreciated a friend over an acquaintance any day.
Solitude is not a bad thing at all. It is a commendable, respectable state of being. I don't mean you should be alone all the time, absolutely not, but it is healthy to accept that relationships do not last forever. It is important to enjoy them while they last. Also, it is just as important to spend time with yourself. Being alone gives you the opportunity to explore who you are, have time to think and reflect on experiences in your life, and harness creative talents that can't be achieved when you are surrounded by a myriad of people.
Don't be afraid of being alone. Enjoy your friends, but enjoy your solitude just the same. Spend time with the ones you love, and spend time loving yourself. Broaden your horizons and open your mind. You'll be amazed how rewarding it can be.
