Anyone you ask will tell you that it’s incredibly unlikely for you to see me out partying on a Friday night, or any night for that matter, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself an introvert. I’m not the most outgoing person when I first meet people, but once I’m around someone long enough, my real, and often times loud, personality starts to show. Some people need to be out doing something to have fun, but I’m the total opposite. Here are a few things that sound way better to me than going to a party on a Friday night.

1. Binge watch my favorite shows on Netflix

When people ask me to hang out with them I don’t really have to weigh my options. I could either go to a public place where I have to worry about my appearance and actually pay for my food, or I could sit on my couch in sweatpants and eat all of the snacks I want. In my opinion there’s not much of a competition between the two choices. I mean who would turn down a That 70’s Show marathon just to go be uncomfortable and have to unnecessarily spend money?

2. Read a good book

I will never say no to a quiet day of laying in bed reading. It's not for everyone, but reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Similarly to watching a TV show or movie, I can just sit in comfy clothes and relax while losing myself in a good story.

3. Sleep

What can I say? I can be a pretty lazy person sometimes. After a long day, I don't feel like going out and then getting home late. I want to go home and go to sleep at a decent time so I can rejuvenate over the weekend. If I don't get my sleep, I'll basically be a zombie. My weekdays are very busy so I need my weekend me time, which tends to consist of a lot of napping.

4. Hang out with my family

I have less than a year until I go to college, which means for the first time in my life my mom won't always be right down the hall. I'm staying pretty close to home, but not living with my parents and brothers is going to be the hardest part of college for me, so right now I need to spend as much time with them as I possibly can. Some people would rather be caught dead than staying in for a family game night when they could be out with their friends, but I know that my family members are the best friends I'm ever going to have.

5. Play guitar

I've been playing guitar for a few years, and I plan to continue playing for many more. Sometimes I'll play to practice and work on learning a song. Other times I just play. Whether this means writing a song or just randomly playing chords while strumming, it's something that can take your mind off of anything (even that dumb party you weren't invited to).

6. Play Candy Crush

Yes, I'm one of those people. I play Candy Crush all the time and I'm so not sorry for sending you that request for a life on Facebook. Say what you want, but it's a fun game and I think sitting at home in your PJ's playing Candy Crush beats going out socializing any day!

7. Hang out with my friends AT HOME

Okay, this is sort of still socializing, but if I have a friend or two at my house, chances are I'm actually pretty close with them. This means I can still wear my comfy clothes and just relax without being judged. Added bonus: they'll probably be wearing comfy clothes too, which means we can both just sit around dressed like bums without having anything to worry about.

8. Eat

Sure, you can go out to eat somewhere, but that involves spending money, and chances are it's going to be a real meal, not just snacks. If I stay in that night, it doesn't take much effort to get some food. All I have to do is walk into the kitchen and grab a snack, and then go back to watching TV in my living room.

9. Write a new article

I've only been writing for Odyssey for a few weeks, but it's something I've found that I love to do. It's a way for me to truly get my opinion out there, and relate to so many people. Before I started writing, I would find myself bored all the time, and just resort to playing on my phone. Now, if I have free time I try to brainstorm ideas, or start a new article. It just gives me something to do with my time, so that I'm not wasting it.

I'm definitely known to be a homebody, and I know I'm not always the most adventurous person, but I do put myself outside of my comfort zone sometimes. Staying home has always been what I do, especially because of how close I am with my family, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to go out and have fun sometimes. Putting yourself out there can be the way to go on some occasions, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with staying home in your PJ's and watching a good movie.