This summer I stayed in Knoxville, and while I do have a roommate, our schedules are very different. I find myself with a lot of time to myself, and I'm not complaining. There's a lot to be taken from a summer that you spend getting to know and love that one person that'll always be there.

Time spent with your friends is cherished. Now that you don't live next door to all of your closest friends, the times that you get to see them are never boring and always leave you content. Admittedly, living with all those amazing, good-kind-of-crazy people can leave someone exhausted.

So is family time. I think we can all agree that the amount of time we spend with our families during the summer can be overwhelming after spending so many months away from them during the school year. But, after having so much alone time, it's kind of refreshing to be in the midst of all their love and craziness.

You allow yourself to be bored, and to relish in your boredom. Boredom has been a welcomed state of mind this summer, seeing as it doesn't occur very often. I found myself content with spending this rainy weekend on my couch with no responsibilities... well, there may have been a couple that I avoided.

You learn a lot about yourself. I'm not just talking about learning that you make a really delicious bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich either. You learn that you may not like whatever internship your working, or that you may want to change your major. You figure out what you like to spend your summers doing, and what you don't. Maybe you even learn the meaning of life, who knows.

You don't need or want a "friends with benefits" relationship in your life. *sigh* Summer flings are great, but a summer without a love interest in your life is, quite honestly, probably exactly what you need. Who cares about what your ex is doing, or that you kind of miss so-and-so. Say goodbye, even if it's just for the summer, and sweep yourself off your feet.

You get really good at your job. Maybe even all three of them. Not only do you learn in the ropes of your new gig, but you start to really enjoy being around the people that you work with. Maybe you even hang out for some time after you've clocked out simply because you can.

You plan awesome trips and make incredible goals for yourself. Sometimes you follow through, sometimes you don't. Those goals help you learn everything you're capable of accomplishing, and those trips allow you to explore and make plans for all the things you want to do and see. You may not get to it this summer, but eventually you will.

You watch all the movies you've been meaning to. No shame in having a movie day... or a movie week. You have to check them off your list at some point, right?

You do things that you've been wanting to for a while. No kidding, this week I attempted to find the end of a rainbow, who hasn't always wanted to do that?! Maybe you get back in shape, or you put more effort into a position you have. Whatever it is, a summer with yourself is definitely the time to do it.

Whether your spending it traveling the world, poolside, or working your tail off, summer can be rewarding no matter who you're with. Even if that someone is yourself. Embrace the art of being alone and learn something from yourself.