The word “loner” has always had a negative connotation, commonly being used to define characteristics of psychopaths and serial killers who feel detached from society. But it shouldn’t be. In fact, there are many well-adjusted people who are more introverted and tend to cherish the moments they create for themselves than with other people. However, society views the act of ostracizing oneself to be uncommon and tend to scratch their heads at those who enjoy constant "me" time. Despite this, I have come to realize that I would describe myself to be a loner at this point in my life and I have come to embrace the idea of it.

While in college, I had many different groups of friends, yet I still found myself putting on a pair of headphones and going on walks by myself. In senior year, it progressed into shutting myself in the editing lab, piecing my film together as opposed to joining some of my friends in going to the movies. Then graduation came and I was eventually back at home enjoying the summer with my parents and on my own (since most of my high school friends have moved away from my hometown). Nonetheless, I found enjoyment in going out alone. I would treat myself to a movie or to dinner. I would take my dog on bike rides or spend an entire day at the library. As time progressed, I realized I enjoyed these solo activities more than hanging out with a group of people. Don’t get me wrong; I love all my friends that I have made over the years and still keep in touch with most of them on almost a daily basis—using messenger, of course—I just tend to find more enjoyment in doing things alone.

In this hectic world, I enjoy alone time for myself because it allows me to relax and plan for the future, something I need to think about being a recent college graduate entering into the Disney College Program. Additionally, I don’t have to take days or even weeks to coordinate with my friends and their schedules in order to go on special outings. I am a spontaneous person and love the fact that I can just drop anything I am doing at the moment to take part in something by myself. Doing activities alone works for me at this time in my life. Who knows, maybe I will change in the future? After all, I am meeting about 300 new people in a little more than a week. I just find that in our world, where the majority of people thrive in groups, we tend to stigmatize those who enjoy being alone. What is wrong with them? Some people think to themselves. Absolutely nothing. If they are happy and content being alone, let them be. I know I, for one, am happy with my new lifestyle choice.