So many people rely on the company of others for every aspect of their lives: eating, studying, sleeping, watching t.v, even walking to class. Why can’t people seem to do anything on their own anymore?

I usually need complete silence when I study to ensure that I’m getting the most out of whatever I’m reading. Even my friends that don’t need complete silence usually go off on their own to coffee shops or similar areas to get in the zone. But when I get a text from a friend saying that they’re lonely while they’re doing homework, I can’t help but question, why? When I meet said friend at the predetermined homework/study location, we proceed to talk for a whopping five minutes before their earbuds go in and I’m just another member of the crowd being tuned out. Why bother asking me to hang out in the first place then?

I recognize the perks of having someone around, especially when you’re doing something you don’t want to do. When you’re stressed, all you want to do is complain before delving into the piles and piles of work you need to get done all before tomorrow at 7am. But I just can’t help but wonder why my friends would feel the need to rely on another human for every aspect of their lives. Just the other day, I told my friend that I was going to get dinner alone before heading back home for the night. Frantically, they pulled out their phone and offered to text a mutual friend of ours.

“They haven’t eaten yet!” they said. “I’m sure you won’t have to eat alone!”

Why the hell would I have a problem with eating alone?

I like my own company. I think it’s nice to work alone and take small breaks to take in the world around me without another person jabbering in my ear. And if I don’t have someone to eat with, you bet your ass I will be more than happy to shovel food into my mouth and avoid the extraneous small talk.

But when I go to study with a friend and they put in their earbuds and I feel alone, then what’s the point? I feel like I can’t even say anything to them without getting a dirty look because I’m talking. But you invited me over to talk and do work, right? Why do you need the company of another person to do work by yourself?

The necessity of reliance is a conundrum that I just cannot seem to crack. So, I have a challenge for you: if you’re scared of going alone to check out that new restaurant that opened up down the street? Do it. Worried about going shopping alone because you’ll have trouble picking out that new shirt? Do it yourself. Try to get to know yourself better. The perks of doing things by yourself is that you don’t need to worry about the opinions of other people. That’s why picking your nose in private is so satisfying. When you’re in that coffee shop or pizza place or study room, anything you do will be sure to feel that much more satisfying.