Many people fear the thought of being alone. Captions like “forever alone” or “single for life” have painted the edges of our societal norms, making it seem as though companionship is what our identity and self-worth depends on. Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being single – it just means that you do not have a significant other, friend, or acquaintance by your side. Humans are social beings, and we strive for emotional connections with others. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to take out time for yourself, and only yourself.

Since the beginning of college, being a part of the “group” was always the thing. I thought that you always needed someone by your side or other people to hang out with, in order to be part of the social norm. Freshman year was a time of self-discovery. It was a time of making new friends, and deepening friendships with older ones. The spare time that I had, I thought I needed to spend with someone. This didn’t allow me the time to figure out desires, my own passions, life goals, and myself. By constantly spending time with other people, you become “morphed” into the background. Being part of the pack doesn’t get too hard to do.

It’s senior year now, and I couldn’t say with more confidence that I love to have quality time to myself. It allows me to get the immense amounts of work I have completed, it allows me to clear my thought processes, and also allows me to realize my likes and dislikes. I’m glad that college has allowed me to grow as an individual. Having freshman year as a time where I stayed close to the “pack” allowed me to cherish the “alone” time I acquired for myself. Sitting in silence, with a cup of hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket and watching a nice movie at 1 a.m. would be wonderful to do with someone close… but it’s even more special when you’re by yourself. You learn a lot about yourself. It may seem weird, but it isn’t uncommon to think of yourself as a separate being. Treat yourself like someone you don’t know. Get to know what you like, dislike, wish to achieve, and the traits and characteristics you would like to see in someone else. Young adulthood is a beautiful time of self-discovery. This is the only time in life where you are able to do whatever you want, and if it doesn’t turn out as planned, you can still be satisfied that you had at least tried. Family, friends, and your significant other are all important. Without them, you may not be where you are today. However, they won’t be there the entire time. The only person that can actually save you... is you.