I live with four other wonderful people. I share a room with two of them. I love them dearly and I trust them completely. I like spending time with them. They're funny and smart and, honestly, we spend most of our time eating and watching our respective TV shows; our friendship doesn't need very much effort.

But I go home often, and my parents and siblings and extended family are there too. They all have expectations from me and want me to go out and be social, but all I really want to do is stay in my room.

I like to do something on my own, such as read, paint, or sleep. It's like I get to have a little vacation. If I'm forced to go out with people, I'm in a bad mood and then I fight to stay in my room even harder.

I'm sure it happens to other people, whether they recognize it or not, but my mom was getting concerned. Then I realized what was driving my behavior: I just wanted to be alone.

Just for a bit. Just so I didn't have to worry about anyone's expectations of me, and so I can think and process my feelings, without an audience.

Some people don't like being alone, for various reasons, but I don't mind spending time with myself. I need it every once-in-a-while.

I like to reflect on what I've done, where I'd like to go, and what I need to do to get there. I also tend to deal with other people feelings and problems a lot. I don't mind, I love helping other people and feel honored that they trust me, but spending time alone helps me separate my feelings from theirs.

Also, while I find schoolwork interesting, there is a pressure to read and learn everything that I possibly can because I will most likely be tested on it. I use my time alone to take a break from schoolwork and do something I simply enjoy.

I think that spending time with themselves is something everyone should be okay doing. Get to know yourself. Know how, and what, you think and feel. These things can be frightening, but shouldn't have to run from yourself. You can figure out what you can do to make yourself feel better.

I understand that sometimes it helps to figure things out with other people, and some people really like to spend time with others too. But sometimes not having to consider other's opinions and expectations is necessary so that you can learn more about yourself in general, since you don't have to filter or dismiss you own thoughts and feelings.

Spending time with yourself shouldn't be an undesirable chore, and it doesn't have to be a long time either. You can simply go for a walk, or sit under the shade of a tree and take a breath of fresh air. Just give yourself a break, you deserve it.