The Art of Solitude

You can have friends, but you have to be able to flourish on your own. You probably won't always know the right things to say, but that's okay. There's nothing wrong with being quiet. Own your unique identity. When there's no one else around, you can truly be who you are. You have no one to compete with. Try setting aside your phone more often or any other distractions. You don't have to text your friends back immediately. At the moment, your solitude is more important. Find the things that bring you joy, and try doing them by yourself. (For me, it's watching videos of Grumpy Cat.) Don't be afraid to walk across the street to get lunch by yourself. It's really not that strange. When you walk around without your friend by your side, be confident. Trust me, you do not look like a loser when you're alone. Enjoy the silence. It's very rare nowadays to have times where there are no loud teenagers, no parents, no siblings; just you. Cherish those times, because they are really refreshing and beautiful. If you don't like silence, blast some of your favorite songs, and since you're alone, no one will care if you bust our your awkward dance moves, too. Don't get bummed out when your friends can't hang out, instead, take it as an opportunity to be productive. If you want some alone time, you don't have to scare away your friends by making a mean face like Grumpy Cat. Instead, just be honest with them and let them know you need some time to yourself.