I eat by myself on frequent occasions. Sometimes it’s just too difficult to corral a few friends to go to a restaurant. On occasion, I find myself in a time crunch where I need to quickly eat and get out. Other days I simply need to unwind after a long day and collect my thoughts.

I find it to be a therapeutic experience. It’s a way to escape the hustle-and-bustle of college life and take a moment to reflect and relax. Maybe I’ll catch up on some studies while I eat or simply sit back and enjoy my food.

However, it seems that many of my peers don’t share such an affinity. Upon a quick glance around the room, groups significantly outnumber solitary eaters.

I’ve always had introverted tendencies. Growing up without siblings, I’ve found ways to be comfortable with myself, and at times, only myself. Surely I can’t be the only one on campus who feels this way, but sometimes, I can feel like a solitary person external from those around me.

However, I don’t define myself as solely an introvert ­­— I still have many extroverted habits as well. I love being the center of attention, specifically when I’m performing. Though many people feel anxious on-stage, it’s where I feel at home. However, despite my willingness to stand out in certain contexts, others still make me anxious.

When I’m with friends, or an environment where I feel generally comfortable, I have no problem being the life of the party.

However, when it comes to loud clubs packed with belligerent, drunken people, I can’t help but feel generally uneasy. It’s all about finding the right environment to have fun. Though I might not enjoy crowded bars, I can think of nothing more fun than having a few drinks with friends over deep conversation.

According to research from the California School of Professional Psychology, people who have both social tendencies but also enjoy spending time alone are called “ambiverts”–personalities that are a halfway point between extroversion and introversion.

Though society often adopts a polarized perception of introverts and extroverts, I argue that people are simply more dynamic. Even the boldest of party-people have their insecurities, and sometimes the quietest in-class can be the most wild at night. Put simply, when we’re in a comfortable environment, we’re more likely to be ourselves.

As Dr. Stephen Diamond mentions in his article in Psychology Today, American culture is largely an “extroverted society.” College nightlife is usually the most prominent example — it is most often the most extroverted dispersed throughout Greenville and Deep Ellum. For those who don’t necessarily enjoy that scene, perhaps it’s time to find something a little different as a means of weekend entertainment.

To the more ambiverted and introverted amongst SMU: you’re not alone. Though our voices may not always be the most dominant on-campus, there are still a multitude of people with similar characteristics and personalities.

To those who don’t relish clubbing: that’s all right. But instead of staying in this weekend, find something else that’s fun! Dallas is a large city with a multitude of attractions. Plan ahead, call up a friend or two, and explore places like the Bishop Arts District, try that new top-rated restaurant on D Magazine, or go for a jog or bike ride on the Katy Trail. You might find yourself right at home.

Andrew Pinkowitz is a sophomore majoring in financial consulting and Spanish with a minor in communication studies. He can be reached for comment at [email protected]