Me and my headphones share a very special relationship. Whereas some people prefer a peace and quiet kind of lifestyle, I’m more of a peace and music kind of per person. When music can be played, nine times out of ten, music is playing into my ears. Music is my way of blocking out the crazy life I live in, and that doesn’t mean I purposely mean to ignore people.

There’s something so calming and intimate about listening to a song that no one else can hear but yourself, and honestly, it even takes away judgement because you can low-key be vibin’ to Beethoven or hardcore bumpin’ Juicy J. Catch me when I’m listening to music and I’m sure you’ll see me smile from the joy of it all at some point.

Maybe I’m smiling because I’m listening to the funny and inappropriate lyrics from the group The Lonely Island. Perhaps I solved a physics problem without looking at the answers at the back of a book and I felt the need to jam out to some Fetty Wap. Sometimes I reminisce on the good memories from a recent trip with the songs I listened to in that time frame. Or maybe, I have had an exhausting day that I just needed to chill and zone out to some Frank Ocean. Whatever the reason may be, music allows me to express my feelings, but for my own personal sake.

When I do have my headphones in, I do ask that you respect my music-playing session so please do not disturb unless it’s important. I don’t want this to come off as me pushing away those around me, and it’s certainly not all the time. For example, maybe I’ll have just one headphone in so that way you have the signal that I am aware and present with what is going on around me, so there’s an appropriate time to approach me.

Other than that, it’s a means of me displaying to the world around me that I need my solitude, at times. Having headphones in basically is the unspoken language that I am not available. Please come back and try again later. Sure, I can answer a quick question as to where is the science building, or hey I’m more than happy to wave and smile at you as I pass you by. It’s my pleasure, especially if you need any help.

Besides that, headphones work in a useful, unsuspected way, especially when it comes to the female population. You see, many girls know the struggle of walking by themselves, whether that be at a grocery store, or a walk with your dog down the street. Being unwillingly approached by someone is something women fear and have experienced at some point of their lives.

So if someone is catcalling me while I’m walking to my care, my headphones are there to blast, “WHY YOU GOTTA FIGHT WITH ME AT CHEESECAKE!?” (Thanks, Drizzy). Sorry to the guy on the passenger’s side with his best friend’s ride, tryin’ to holla at me—I’m sharing a very special moment with Drake. Leave me and my headphones in peace.