I don't like being alone. I never have. I would rather talk to literally anyone about anything than sit by myself. To me, being alone means overthinking my day and overprocessing every piece of information that comes into my brain. This isn't healthy, though. Over time, and especially throughout and after my first year of college, I've learned that not only is being alone totally okay, but it's often necessary and desired.

I used to see people eating alone in restaurants and feel sorry for them. Poor them, I thought, they must have no one to go out with. Then I realized that maybe they actually wanted to be alone. Being alone doesn't mean you don't have anyone to be with. It means you want a break, some "me time." To challenge myself, this past summer I decided to take myself to lunch. Just me. Alone.

I picked one of my favorite restaurants so I would know exactly what to order. I walked in and the waitress asked me if there was anyone else joining me.

"No, just table for one, please," I answered, faltering in my response and wondering if this was a bad idea.

I sat down at my table. No one else was alone. Everyone else in the restaurant was talking to members their group, or laughing with their significant other. What was I doing? I felt like a total loser.

After ordering, I took out my computer to pass the time. Then I stopped myself. If I was going to challenge myself, gosh darn it, I would challenge myself. No electronic crutches. So I sat there. And I was lonely. But after a while, I started to feel differently. I got excited for my beautiful spider roll with soft-shell crab that was being prepared as I waited. I looked at the the cool dress that the girl sitting a few tables over was wearing. I thought about what to get my sister for her birthday. And I realized that I was enjoying myself.

I probably won't ever purposely choose to go eat alone, but I had conquered a fear. I realized that being alone isn't so bad after all. No one was looking and judging me like I'd thought. They were probably envious of how much I looked like I was enjoying my green tea ice cream, with no one there to have to share with or make small talk with. Being alone actually felt good. It doesn't mean it's any easier for some people, but the point is, it's not so bad. It gives you time to really appreciate what's around you, or just to delve deeper into your own mind with no distractions or interruptions. So while I likely won't try my experiment again (unless I have to), I'm here to tell you that being alone is good. And in this crazy busy world we live in, it's a nice change of pace for relaxation.