So, I'm kind of a loner. I prefer to sit by myself when I eat inbetween classes instead of sitting with a lot of other college students. I love to curl up with a good book instead of spend all night party-hopping from frat party to frat party. I have a few close friends that I enjoy going out to dinner with, but I have never particularly thrived socially with a large group of friends. I would rather get to know someone on a deeper level, instead of only knowing them from the every day gossip they feel the need to share with me. To me, smalltalk is pointless. It makes me anxious. It's not that I don't enjoy talking to people, it's just that I honestly don't care when I ask how you are, and you respond with the societal norm of, "fine." I think this is part of the reason why people consider me to be who is hard to get to know. I am quiet until you open me up and ask me a real question about myself. Once that happens, I will do the same for you.
I wouldn't say I am socially anxious, I have no problem walking up to someone and asking them something I need. I work in retail and enjoy meeting new people every day. I love helping women find outfits that make them feel better about themselves. That part of social interaction is easy for me. It seems that people confuse being socially anxious with people who simply prefer to be alone. Many times people are surprised that I am more of an introvert because I can put off a front that shows that I am outgoing and love to meet people. And that is true, I do love to meet people, but when it comes down to it, I would rather be alone. It is just as important to have the skill to become outgoing and charming when needed as it is to be able to be by yourself and not feel bad about it.
After graduating college, there are going to be many instances in which we will have to be alone. We will be getting jobs and could be moving to new places. This is when it is important to know that you are fine on your own. College is the perfect time to start becoming your own best friend. Go out to dinner by yourself, or spend the night in alone. Young people need to learn to be okay with being alone. For some people it can be scary thinking about traveling by themselves, or even going to lunch by themselves. In the near future there are going to be times when you are on your own, on your own path, and now is the time to become comfortable with yourself.
So if you are someone who already enjoys being alone, then keep doing what you're doing. Don't feel bad about about saying no to a frat party and staying in and watching Gossip Girl. You're already comfortable with being alone and that is a trait a lot of others don't already have.
