I spend a lot of time alone. I work out alone, I walk to class alone, sometimes I eat alone, and I sleep alone in my bed. I guess to some people that sounds sad, but it's really not. I have plenty of friends that I could text if I wanted to be accompanied and I have plenty of things to do within school, my job and organizations. Sometimes after a day full of people, I just like to have some "me" time.

I would like to reiterate that it is not sad. Sure, it is awkward. Especially when you make eye-contact with someone when they are sitting at a table alone, but instead of assuming they have nobody to sit with, did you consider that they are enjoying themselves? It's not social anxiety or depression or anything serious, sometimes it's just that my friends and I are on all different schedules. Sometimes I need to finish this paper and everyone else is a distraction. Sometimes I want to eat my meal and not listen to someone else.

I like spending time with other people, in fact, I love doing all those things with other people. It's a common misconception that being by yourself is a bad thing. Everyone around me seems to think that if I had someone to text 24/7 or someone to watch Netflix with I would be a happier person. I have not had a relationship in the past couple years, but I have sat by all my friends who have. Nothing is worse than when your friends ditch you for their significant other, but what is worse is when they assume you are upset just because you don't have someone to be with. I am a busy person and would be perfectly okay with having a boyfriend, but at the moment it's nice to just do me.

Of course, there are times when I wish I had someone to do things with, but whenever the opportunity comes to me, I usually stray away. I'm not scared of having a relationship (although I should be based on some of the things I've seen) but I am scared that if I'm in a relationship I will lose that "me" time. I wouldn't say I'm selfish, but in a way I guess I am. I don't see anything wrong with trying to be the best version of myself however.

I have watched a number of my friends lose who they are because of their relationships. I have seen them lose interest in their schoolwork, their families and their zest for life. I don't want to end up like that. These are the years where I can have fun and I will never have less responsibility than I do now. So why would I waste one of them on another person who could be focusing on themselves as well?

I am not against relatinoships and if the right person came along where I could balance my life and theirs, than I will go with it. But for right now, I will continue doing the best for me even if it means being alone.