It used to be a no-brainer for me. If someone asked to hang out, it would put a damper on my nap schedule, so I'd respectfully decline. If someone made plans with me ahead of time, I'd find ways to get out of it the day of. I'd either get too nervous about it, or I just didn't want to do anything with my life that day.

If I had to pick between going out late at night or staying home on my couch, I'd instantaneously pick my home sweet home.

I was notorious for canceling plans and showing up late all the time due to the constant battle of if I should go or not. I'd go over the possible outcomes in my head until I made myself crazy. It was totally not a healthy habit.

I prevented myself from living a life, a life full of good people, adventures, and belly laughs.

I was way too scared to get out of my comfort zone. I feared to have to face social situations and avoided rejection and ridicule as much as possible. All I've really wanted was to be able to share my best self with others that made me feel just as comfortable as I would be alone.

I would never have thought that I would find a group of college friends that I can say I absolutely love being around. I've been obsessed with wanting to just be in their presence, and that says a lot.

They make me feel alive and loved whenever I'm with them. We feel each other's pain and we feel each other's joys. We are teaching one another different things, and we are evolving in ways I couldn't imagine.

I would say it has been more of a spiritual journey for me. I've learned some things about myself along the way.

I used to get batshit crazy whenever I would think about the future, but knowing that I have them in it, it can't possibly be half bad. I've found my peace.

And if I were to travel around the world or live with someone, it would be with them. I used to view myself as someone who wanted to do everything all by myself. Without help, without company. I wanted to live alone in an apartment one day, but now, I can visualize living with my friends.

The ones who pushed me to not be lame. The ones who allow me to express myself without feeling humiliated.

I can be my awkward and weird self around them without feeling wrong about it. Like the other night, I had a late-night conversation with one of them about how it's both pretty cool and strange that we feel like we know each other more than we do with our friends back at home.

There have been nights that I've been out with them until the sun comes out which, if anyone knows me, knows that I'm talking serious business.

And honestly, I need to feel comfortable around someone before I could go out with them, and that says a lot.

The best moments we share, we don't really think to capture it on our phones. Whether we're running around in the pouring rain in Philly, dancing in basements, taking care of my drunk friend at a music festival, or painting on the kitchen floor, my life has become an adventure with them.

Instead of just talking and planning, I've been doing a lot more doing than I would have a year ago. So far, saying yes has been good to me, even if that means losing my precious sleep.

I've learned that it's much more important to create memories rather than soak up my alone time. Yes, spending some quality time with myself is crucial so I can recharge, but the people I surround myself with do just that.

All I can say is that I am truly grateful I stepped out of my safety net. It has been a wonderful experience so far.