If asked what was the best time of their life, many humans would hesitate, knowing that they should mention the first years of their marriage, the joy of raising children or the carefree days of retirement when they are free to spend time with the grandkids. However, I suspect most of us (if being honest) would choose the brief period of independence that generally corresponds with our college and grad school years.
Though we had responsibilities during that time (jobs, education), they were self-imposed and directly associated with our life goals. Neither did they diminish the sense of freedom that independence brings. This is not to suggest that those years are all about self-indulgence; life-long relationships are often forged during that period and the freedom is vital to the development of our personal beliefs and philosophy.
Some may feel guilty if they acknowledge that the Time of their Life coincided with independence from their loved ones. But the influence of others, good or bad, is never completely absent in our lives.
