As much as I love my friends, I have a distinctly independent (and yes, stubborn) spirit. I enjoy my "me time" more than the average person, and would even say it sometimes beats spending time with others. "Me time" is therapeutic, redeeming, almost completely adjustable as needed, and unassociated with some of the caveats associated with traditional group plans. To give an example...

1. Last-minute cancellations can't happen

I can't even count how many times I've seen a plan fall apart just an hour before, leaving me with no plans for the night. If I'm on my own in the first place, then there's no disappointment to be had. It's foolproof!

2. It can be instant and spontaneous

And on the flip side, I don't even need to plan "me time" the way we need to plan going out with friends. If I have a free day and see some cool event going on, I can literally drop what I'm killing time with and go out that same minute.

3. I'm completely in charge

I make the plans, I decide when, what, how, where. It's all my responsibility, but I'll gladly take it when...

4. I don't need to accommodate anyone else

We all love being selfish sometimes, and if I don't want to compromise on social plans at that moment, I'll happily do what I want by myself. No shame in that.

5. Leaving early becomes an option

Does the movie or concert absolutely suck? Is the game in overtime with no end in sight? If no one is depending on me for a ride home, I'm more than free to leave. I'm not obligated to stick around just for someone else.

6. I can do something outside the box

We usually make friends based on sharing the same interests and hobbies, but sometimes we need to step out of the box and do something different. If I know none of my friends would be interested in going to try Argentine food or jet-skiing, I can do it during my "me time".

7. I can get to know myself

Even if I just spend it lying in bed blowing gum bubbles, "me time" is the perfect way to gain some introspection and improve myself. It's a way for me to look at what I can do better and how I can enjoy my life more over the coming years.

8. I do what makes ME happy

And finally, because I run the show during my "me time", I can change what I do whenever I want to savor the moment and make myself happier. In the end, the goal of "me time" is to be happy with myself and be satisfied with how I spend my time. I'm going to do everything possible to make it happen.