Selfies have a really bad reputation. People think they are a sign of either narcissism or insecurity, when in reality, neither of those are true--although they certainly can improve your self esteem. That is one of the many reasons I have an entire album dedicated to selfies on Facebook. I have over 300 pictures of myself in an album on Facebook dedicated solely to improving my own self image. I do not post those pictures for validation from others--though the support I have received for the album is overwhelming. I post them because they have helped me like myself and what I look like.

So for all my fellow selfie-lovers out there, this article is for you:

1. They teach you about yourself.

You learn which angles show off your cheek bones, what lighting helps you glow, which facial expressions help you exude confidence and bad-assery. You figure out what you like and what you don't like. You learn how to project that attitude.

2. They commemorate fun experiences.

When I traveled abroad, I took a selfie in front of nearly every landmark I saw. And I have no. regrets. Not only can I prove I actually saw what I claimed to have seen, but I now have truly hilarious pictures.

3. Selfies are not a new phenomena.

Humankind has been rendering one's likeness in various art forms since homo sapiens began. From drawing people with stones into cave walls to the modern selfie, we have always searched to immortalize ourselves. There is no reason to stop and no reason to be ashamed of taking selfies.

4. They're a great form of entertainment.

What should you do when you get bored? Take some selfies. Especially on Snapchat. Take selfies with a flower crown, with a dog filter--whatever! Live your life, and love how you're living.

5. They don't hurt anyone.*

Selfies are totally harmless. They do not represent the disintegration of our society, and they are not a cancer to which millennials are particularly susceptible. If anything, they actually help our society by making people like themselves more and providing a safe outlet for boredom.

*There have actually been several people who have died taking "extreme" selfies on top of buildings and mountains, but as long as you follow safe selfie procedures, no harm can come to you.

6. They show off your fly fashion sense.

Let's be honest. The world needs to see this.

7. They help you find your true squad.

As the saying goes, "Friends who selfie together stay together."

And finally, we have the best reason:

8. Why the hell not?

Love yourself.