Is it weird to enjoy being alone a majority of the time?

I sure don't think it's weird; in fact, I feel it's necessary. Every day, I go to class, go eat lunch, then camp out in the library, put in my earbuds, and work on my homework. Aside from lunch, which I normally grab with some friends as a nice reprieve from academics, I go about my day in solitude. And I don't mind at all.

The thing is that it's a fine line. I'm not an antisocial individual by any means, but I definitely enjoy having my alone time. The other night, some friends and I were talking about what we feel others misunderstand about us, and I said that most people don't understand that I'm an introvert because when they see me in public, I'm fairly outgoing. Is this a misrepresentation of myself? Am I lying to others about my social preferences?

Of course not. There have been numerous studies regarding a demographic of people known as "extroverted introverts." We like to be alone, but we also like to maintain deep relationships. We prefer to listen during a conversation but we'll definitely give our input when appropriate. I try to understand people at their core because it gives me insight to who they are.

I often force myself to go out and have time with friends, because I know it's a healthy necessity, but the actual getting-up-and-going-out part is more difficult for me and other extroverted introverts, I imagine, than most people.

In the words of comedian John Mulaney, "It's one-hundred percent easier not to do things than to do them." Of course, that was part of one of his stand-up specials, but it still holds some credibility. So, all you introverts struggling and fighting to find your way, just remember that it's okay to want to be alone. It's okay to stay in your room and just relax.

Also, we have John Mulaney on our side. So we're in good company.