I judge myself and often times feel judged when I seclude myself.

Because I feel like I'm being a "loner," I'm shying away from society and it's somehow a negative thing.

You won't typically see me walking around a campus or strolling down the halls with a large group of friends.

I'm not the person to go somewhere and know everyone in the room or have everyone know me.

But I think that's okay.

There is a time and a place to be involved.

We don't want to be so withdrawn from society that we become antisocial.

Or so alone that we feel depressed or lonely.

There's a balance.

I for one, love people, I enjoy their company, and I'm almost always down for a good conversation or genuine interaction.

Trying new things and getting involved are both healthy and necessary for our growth as individuals.

We need community.

But the community starts with you.

We don't want to become so dependent on the presence of others that we cannot be alone.

That we need the acceptance and approval of others to thrive.

Be alone, and be okay with it.

Not because you're necessarily introverted, which is okay too, but because you know who you are.

Spending time alone allows you to know yourself. Know what you like, what you don't like, and why you like and don't like those things. Have your own schedule, and understand your good and bad qualities.

We contribute better to society when we know who we are, not to enforce that on others, but to encourage others in knowing themselves.

Whether we are talking about a relationship between friends, classmates, a significant other, or a mere acquaintance, knowing who we are does keep us grounded no matter who we're with.

Because we shouldn't change who we are depending on the group of individuals we are with.

No one else defines us.

No one else can tell us who we are.

And maybe it's super easy for you to be alone, or fairly difficult, but it's necessary...

Not to sit and twiddle your thumbs, but to be proactive even in the loneliness.

Read a book, draw a picture, make something, exercise, take a nap, drive away, take some notes, play a game, meditate, or listen to music. There's no real method or formula, just you...

You, and whatever you like, and whatever makes you, you.

Know when to say no, or when to say yes.

When it's time to step aside or try something new.

But don't wait until it's too late.

Don't wait until you're dating, or you're married.

Don't wait until you find someone you want to be like or someone to copy.

This is about you, not just the introverts, or the extroverts.

But about people, and about who we are as individuals.

You won't be lonely or depressed without another physical being if you know who you are, because you'll always have you.

And by knowing you, you can know and help others too.