Right now, as I’m writing this, I’m sitting in the pub at my school. Alone. On the other side of this two person table is my book bag, and my only companion is this laptop I’m writing on. I know people in here that I could sit with. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind, but I don’t want to. I know. Weird. A single girl choosing to eat alone in a restaurant-like setting. Crazy.

Okay, now let me tell you why it’s not crazy.

I have a super busy schedule, like most college kids I know. My free time is basically non-existent but when I do have free time I love hanging out with my friends. Usually meals are suppose to be social events, and for the most part, they are for me. However, sometimes I choose to go out and eat alone.

But, why?

Because I like it. It gives me a chunk of time to just be by myself in a social setting. I can get work done, start reading, or just scroll through social media without having to make sure the person across the table is entertained. Now, don’t get me wrong. Sometimes when I sit alone people come up and ask if they can sit with me, which I love. I think it’s nice and most of the time I was just screwing around on my computer anyway. But the days when no one approaches me, a day like today, I’m equally as happy.

I know some people must look at me with pity because I’m sitting alone; they think I must have no friends. The truth is, due to various clubs, classes, and sports, I’m always around my friends. I love my friends, and yes, often I do like to eat with them, but being able to be on my own for an hour of the day is important too.

Besides loving my solitude, my busy life also means that I can’t work around someone else’s schedule. I’m hungry but you’re in class for another half an hour? Sorry, but I have to be in lab by then. Plus, yanno, I’m HUNGRY.

Another thing I noticed about eating with other people, especially in a buffet style setting, such as the dining hall, is that I overeat when I’m with other people. I’m a quick eater who’s normally the first one done at the table. When I’m done but everyone else is only halfway through their meal I feel like I need to eat more, so I get another plate. Long story short, I’m eating unhealthy proportions of food, when I’m not hungry, to sit and talk with my friends, even though I see them regularly.

Eating alone makes me feel independent, not lonely. People always assume that just because you’re alone, you must be lonely. No one would willingly choose to eat alone if there was another option, right?

Give it a try. Just once. If you hate it and realize eating alone isn’t for you, then it’s not. Keep on eating with your friends you little social butterfly, you. But who knows, maybe it’s better than you thought.