College is a time for meeting new people, putting yourself out there, and trying new things. We all know that. However, that doesn't mean kids in college have to be social all the time. A lot of students feel that every second of their day should be spent with friends. Going to the dining hall alone is taboo and weekends are reserved for parties only because that's where everyone is.
News flash, kids: It's okay to do things by yourself.
I'm sick of feeling like I always need to have a buddy by my side when I want to do something. Some of my friends wouldn't dream of going to a concert alone or eating a meal in a restaurant at a table for one, but that's exactly what I want to do.
I've never been good at socializing, that's no secret. Even though I love making new friends and talking to people, I'm an introvert. Constantly being surrounded by people gets exhausting after a while. Spending a few hours here and there by myself helps me keep my sanity.
No, I don't want to lock myself in my room forever. I just want to sit at a coffee shop and read my book alone, without struggling to keep conversation flowing with someone I may not even want to be with. I want to take a jog through the common or go to the gym without feeling uncomfortable that I'm by myself. I want to hop on the T somewhere, put my headphones in, and enjoy the ride.
Although I am alone, I am not lonely. It's taken me many years to admit this, but I really like the person I grew up to be. I'm comfortable with myself inside and out. I enjoy taking a moment to be alone because it's the time where I can just be me. I don't have to worry about anything or anyone but myself.
If I want to spend five hours at the public library staring at the rows of books, I can. If I want to order too much coffee, I can. If I want to walk through the park in circles for hours, gazing at the pond, trees and people, I can. That stuff is small, but it's important to me.
Remember that it's okay to not spend every waking moment socializing. Go out and do something for yourself. I promise your friends will be there when you return.
