When I was younger, I used to watch movies and TV shows that starred people in their late teens and early 20s who went to college or were working and spent most of their free time partying and going out with friends. With this in mind, I graduated high school and went into college with a certain idea of what it would be like. I expected to spend my nights at parties and my days shucking off work and school in order to go downtown with friends.

While this has happened a few times, I found that it wasn't something I particularly enjoyed. Parties and going out can be fun but for the most part; I enjoy hanging out at home with a small group of friends, going out to see movies, or finding places around my college to explore. But, because of everything I saw in society and the media, I felt like there was something I was missing out on. It's easy to think there's something I've looked over or missed when going out to parties when I've seen so many other people enjoy that scene.

It's taken a while for me to accept that just because I've only really seen my age group acting and living one certain way in the media doesn't mean that I'm doing something wrong or missing something by not wanting to live that way. Everyone is different and they have different ways of spending their time. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to go out and party, and I encourage people to do it if that's what makes them happy and how they want to have fun. I think it's unhealthy for the media and society to only depict one way to experience your early 20s.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying your years in your 20s without excessive partying — if any at all. You're not missing out on anything if it's something you don't enjoy, even if that's what the media may imply. You shouldn't force yourself to party or go out if that's not something you enjoy doing, no matter how you've been made to feel about it.

However you wish to spend your time, whether that's by partying, staying in, or any other way, you should be able to. As long as you are enjoying yourself, you're not missing out on anything.