Learn to Love Your Own Company
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
One thing that I think is important for everyone to learn is how to enjoy your own company. I don’t mean that you have to break up with your significant other or cut ties with your best friends, but it’s good to spend time with just yourself. They say that friendship isn’t necessary for survival, but it’s what makes surviving worth it. And I agree. Friendship and companionship is wonderful and valuable. But if you can’t enjoy your own company, how can you expect anyone else to do the same?
This spring break, I took a trip to Seattle. By myself. I’ve always considered myself to be a pretty independent person, but this was my first solo trip ever, and now I know it certainly won’t be my last. For a whole week, I got to explore a new city all by myself.
I didn’t have to consult anyone for that day’s agenda. I didn’t have to take into account anyone else’s opinions. I didn’t have to wait for anyone but myself. It. Was. Liberating. When you’re in your own company for extended periods of time, you discover more about yourself. You discover your likes and dislikes, your pet peeves, the inner workings of your mind and soul. Okay, I know that sounds pretty far-fetched, but it’s true.
Yes, humans are social creatures, but we spend so much time looking for a friend who isn’t busy for dinner or who will go with you to try that new brunch spot, that we never have the time to get to know ourselves. A lot of people I know are afraid of being alone. So they fill their lives with tons and tons of meaningless friendships and connections that only serve as backups for when their real friends are too busy. I’m not saying that friendships aren’t valuable. They are. I love my friends, and I love all of the amazing people I have in my life. But you should be your own best friend first.
Don’t be afraid to spend time with yourself. Take yourself out to dinner. Alone. Go see that new movie everyone’s been talking about. Alone. Hang out at the beach to watch the sunset. Alone. There’s a wonderful world out there for you to explore, and if you always wait around for someone to come with, you’re going to miss out. I am a frequent movie-goer and once I worked up the nerve to go to the theater by myself, it changed my life. If I always waited for someone to accompany me, I wouldn’t get to see half the movies I do.
So start small. Maybe pick up a new hobby, or explore LA on your own. You’ll get to truly know yourself, and do things you’ve never had the chance to do before.
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