I'm a closeted introvert, and I suspect there's many like me out there. Maybe you wish you were an extroverted, life of the party type. Or perhaps society has deeply ingrained in you that group projects and nights out are the way to go, and anything else is unorthodox. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, here's why you need to spend more alone.

1. Self love comes from the individual. We all have that friend who constantly had a boyfriend in high school/college and now doesn't know how to be single, or maybe you are that person. If so, it's okay. But I truly believe one of the secrets to happiness is enjoying solitude. Other people may let you down, but you will always be there for yourself. You might as well enjoy your own company.

2. There's no embarrassment, anxiety, or pressure to act a certain way. Even if you don't have social anxiety, the pressure to be "normal" is always there. You must think hard before you speak or act. When you're by yourself, no one is there to judge you. It's freeing, actually. You're free to be vulnerable, which something everyone needs to be occasionally.

3. It's finally quiet enough to hear and listen. There is no one on which to project your hopes, fears, anger, and sadness. Not a soul is there at your best or worst moments. In this way, you're forced to internalize such feelings and events and figure out what they mean on your own, and by your own means. Wisdom doesn't come from listening to others over yourself.

Though self-reflection and alone time come to me naturally, I think solitude should be practiced by even the most beautiful of social butterflies. How else will you come to know yourself?