There have been far too many times in my life when someone has questioned why I am alone. Whether it's my mom asking me why I don't go out more often, or someone in my class asking me why I'm not sitting with someone else, there are always people that don't understand that just because you're alone, doesn't mean you're lonely.

Although I consider myself an extroverted introvert instead of a full-blown introvert, I still value my alone time greatly. A lot of people love always being out, love always being with other people, love always being at a party, but to me, all of that can get so draining.

While I love to be on the dance floor all night with my friends, and I love being among all the different people on a summer night boardwalk, I also need time to regroup. I need time after being out a lot to be by myself, and I need to do the things that make me happy.

I don't mind being in my own company; I don't mind working out on my own; I don't mind grabbing lunch on my own, and I don't mind shopping on my own. I'm not saying I'm opposed to doing any of these things with someone else, but by the mere chance you catch me doing them alone, do not assume I'm lonely.

Honestly, being okay with being by yourself is important because there are probably going to be a lot of days in life where you're doing things alone. Being content with having yourself as company and only yourself will surely help in making sure that you're happy more often and not just when you're surrounded by other people, who are providing the happiness for you.