Sitting Al-own

     Due to the fact that my usual breakfast buddy, Derek, (aka Maddie's boyfriend and one of my best friends) decided to sleep in late, I headed towards my school's cafeteria alone.

     Many of you just read that and completely judged my life. Honestly, I would have too.

     However, there comes a time in everyone's life where they are forced to do things alone. Maybe it's going that poetry reading that all of your friends thought was stupid. Maybe it's walking home alone from the clubs because you realize for the billionth time that you can never find a respectable guy/girl/etc. in the dark. Or maybe it's because all of your friends happen to be busy and there is nothing edible in your dorm room.

     While I have a lot of friends, there are  still many times in my life where I do things alone (All of the above situations were pulled from my own experiences, gotta find my material somewhere). Literally, every single one of my friends has a significant other at this point, and there are times when I am simply not in the mood to third wheel it yet again. At first, I thought that this meant that I was doomed to be a social outcast, but then I realized; sometimes it's actually more fun to do things alone.

Here are some ways that you can be al-OWN (cheesy, I know)

• Bring a book. As an English education major, reading is one of my favorite things to do, and one of my favorite loner activities.

• Peoplewatching- Because judging the lives of others is a lot more enjoyable by yourself.
• (Also, this is a fantastic time to check out good looking members of the gender that you're attracted to...)
• Catch up on someone new music. Being that anti-social kid with the chunky headphones. Use that computer. Do some homework. Most technology doubles as loner-buffer equipment. Especially if you're checking out my blog.
• Get hit on. Like I said a bullet point or two ago, you're much less intimidating by yourself. That good-looking individual who has had their eye on you now has the perfect opportunity to make their move.
• Think deep life thoughts. You could be the next Socrates. Or invent something crazy. Or write a story. Or think some questionable thoughts about the aforementioned peoplewatchees.
• Walk with your head up high (especially at night, looking down signals to predators that you're an easy target since you aren't paying attention. Looking down also signifies low self-esteem, (another perk for predators).
• Plan evenings/days with yourself. I live with four other girls, and am constantly surrounded by other people. As much as I love them all, I don't know what I would do without my loner runs/tv marathons/blogging sessions/ book readings. If you enjoy hanging out with yourself, others will too.

...And if you didn't bring a friend, but still want to be social

• Sit next to someone else who is alone. Instant friend. Being alone is the best time to make friends, since people are less intimidated by one person they don't know than a whole group of people. This works especially well when walking alone at night, since walking home alone at night as a female is even more dangerous, it's a nice excuse to grab a walking buddy (sexism at its finest, but it's the truth).
• See if you can find anyone else that you know in the area. A lot of times, you'll see that random girl from you communications/education/etc. class, and you can hang out with them.
• Call someone. I always call my parents or my Oma when walking home from work, which they really seem to appreciate. It makes them feel special, and it gives you someone to talk to so that you don't feel so alone.

When I was looking through Google Images for a picture of a loner, I mostly saw black and white photos that were massively depressing. 

This picture is awesome because 

• It's in color
• It has nice nature imagery (especially fun when everything here is grey)
• The little boy in the green looks like a total rebel, if you don't think about the picture for too long.

Basically, own being alone.