I am constantly asked whether or not I'm lonely, however, it seems like I hardly ever get any time to myself. I go to class and am surrounded by people, I go to work and am surrounded by people, I even go to the gym and there are people everywhere. When I get those few moments alone throughout the day, I finally feel free.

I do not consider myself a recluse, not even an introvert most of the time, but quite frankly, I prefer to be alone when I can. I like to workout alone, I like to sleep alone, I even love to take long road trips by myself. This does not make me lonely.

I know this may seem bizarre to a lot of you. In fact, I used to be you. In high school and basically all throughout my childhood years I felt unwanted if I was alone. I thought my friends didn't like me anymore or I was sad because my brothers were playing games that "weren't meant for girls." I would literally sit at home and watch TV praying that one of my friends could come over. I felt lonely.

Have you ever felt trapped in your thoughts? For a lot of you, being around people helps you get your mind off things and gives you an out when you need it. For me, being alone gives me the time I need to reflect on how I'm really feeling as well as staying true to myself.

Have you ever heard the saying "you are who you surround yourself with?" Although I love my friends dearly, I love myself more and it took me years to feel this way and to finally find myself. I don't know if this is just part of getting older, or if I am merely used to being alone after being in a relationship for years that made me feel alone, but I am okay with it.

I sit at home in my cozy little apartment at night in my underwear while watching "Grey's Anatomy" and sipping on some wine and I feel at peace, completely unbothered. I feel more comfortable than I ever have in these moments.

Now don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends and going out on the weekends to crowded bars. I die laughing every time I'm with my girls and the time spent with them could never be replaced. But the feeling of unwinding and unpacking on a Sunday night by myself is an irreplaceable one.

Basically, it is okay to want to take some time for yourself, whether it's to take a long bubble bath by candlelight or to watch The Super Bowl with just you and way too many beanie weenies. Just because you want to be alone at times, does not mean you are lonely.