I Like It When I’m Alone (And You Should, Too)

People always assume that I’m lonely when I tell them that I love being alone. I really do. I enjoy my own company and taking myself out on dates, but that doesn’t mean that I’m lonely and don’t have friends. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like talking to people or hanging out with them. In fact, I love meeting new people and grabbing food with them. I truly do, but I love being alone just as much as I love being with people. And there is nothing wrong with that.

I love getting up early in the morning just to run or walk around my neighborhood. I love feeling the cool breeze against my skin as I inhale the fresh morning air. I love pondering about the meaning of life while running.

I love staying in on a Friday night rather than going out. I love being able to relax in bed with a cup of honey green tea and a good book. Just one single sip of honey green tea instantly relaxes me, and a good book will make me believe in the power of imagination.

I love going shopping by myself. I love browsing clothing racks and trying on different clothes in the dressing room. I love the feeling you get after buying the jacket that you’ve been wanting for months.

I love going to coffee shops by myself. I love the laid back atmosphere and rustic interiors of coffee shops. I love the smell of fresh, locally brewed coffee and hot pastries wafting in the air. I love being able to read a good book or work on new blog posts while sipping a cup of latte and munching on blueberry scones and chocolate muffins.

I love walking to class by myself. I love plugging in my earphones and listening to music, as I de-stress before my exam and tell myself that everything will be alright.

I love walking through new cities by myself. I love discovering new places, shops, museums, and restaurants. I love being immersed in different environments. I love learning about the local culture. I want to know what the locals do and where they eat or go. I love people watching as I explore.

I love going on long drives by myself. I love blasting music and admiring the beautiful scenery as I drive along the coast. I love driving through the middle of nowhere and looking at abandoned buildings, wondering if the buildings have any historical significance. Was this place once a library? A factory? A home? I’d love to keep guessing, but I’d never find out.

I love going to restaurants by myself. I love being able to sit down for a good meal. I love not having to order food to-go or eating fast food. I love taking my time when eating. I love being able to taste all the flavors in my food as I chew slowly. I love trying new cuisines whenever I want.

I love treating myself. Whether it’s a shopping spree or nice fancy dinner for one, I know I won’t regret it. I love buying myself fancy meals that I normally wouldn’t eat. I love the feeling I get after buying that leather jacket that’s been on my wishlist for months. I love not feeling guilty after I’ve treated myself.

As much as I enjoy the presence of my friends, I don’t need to hang out with them to prove that I’m not lonely. In fact, I prefer to be alone sometimes. I have a full say in what I want to do and where I want to go. I can be left alone with my thoughts and be 100% who I am. Having friends who appreciate your presence is nice, but having you appreciate your own presence is even better. Being alone does not necessarily mean you’re lonely. In other words, if you really want to indulge in a bacon cheeseburger and oreo milkshake with an extra order of onion rings at your favorite local diner, but you want to go alone or that none of your friends want to go, just go by yourself. You’ll thank yourself later.