For most of my life, I have considered myself to be an introvert — a person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone. Although I enjoy being around people, I always saw being alone as more appealing.
Spending time by myself is important to me, as it is to most humans. Time spent alone allows us to form our own ideas, beliefs, thoughts and feelings.
Throughout college, my introversion has definitely grown. Eating dinner alone, going on walks alone and studying alone have all become normal patterns of mine.
However, for an introverted college student, it can be hard to break away from the habit of constantly choosing to be alone.
Most of the time it feels easier to choose yourself. When you are alone, there is less of a chance for distress or anxiety to be caused by others.
You become more comfortable with declining invites and not reaching out to friends. The more time you spend alone, the more obvious it becomes how much more peaceful life can be — in most cases.
Because of these introverted tendencies, it can feel hard to maintain close relationships in college.
It seems as if most college students crave human interaction and want to be around people constantly. This is a difficult reality for an introverted student who delights in being alone. Sometimes introversion can come across as being selfish or rude, even when that is never the intention.
However, being open with your friends about being introverted is important. By informing your close circle, they are more likely to be understanding of your social habits because they care for you.
Being honest with the people closest to you about these patterns can make all the difference, and those who remain dismissive of a more secluded lifestyle after explanation probably are not meant to stay in your social sphere.
In college, it can sometimes feel more convenient to be solo all the time. It is hard enough trying to coordinate schedules with others, let alone finding people who want to spend their free time the same way as you.
Even though introversion is sometimes looked down upon, there are upsides to this trait, so don't critique yourself more than necessary, and be understanding to those who might be on the more-introverted side.
Introverts can go and do as they please without having to factor in anybody else’s opinions. They can live their life according to their own time needs. They can choose the food, movie or other activity according to their desires.
On the flip side, I have realized how continual trends of seclusion can become harmful. Although it is normal to want to be alone, extreme patterns of introversion can be unhealthy.
Humans need socialization and emotional connections in order to thrive. Even though it can be hard to push yourself out of your comfort zone, it is essential for a human’s mental health to create those close relationships.
There is a certain limbo to introversion as a college student. Those you surround yourself with should be accepting of this characteristic, as it is a personality type as well as a lifestyle preference. Introverted college students ought to be mindful of the effects this persistent behavior can have on their well-being and mental state.
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Mallorie McCoy, senior in journalism, has been a columnist for The Auburn Plainsman for four years.
