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I'm not often inspired to make life goals after watching Julia Roberts flicks. But it's a new year, so I guess anything's possible.

I went to see Mona Lisa Smile with a friend last week. And there was one scene toward the end of this tale of female liberation during 1950s collegiate life that grabbed me with its searingly honest glimpse at single life.

Julia Roberts' character, Wellesley College art teacher Katherine Watson, is renting a room in a house owned and occupied by a fellow single female teacher, Nancy Abbey. One night Katherine returns home with some happy news and suggests to Nancy that they go out dancing to celebrate.

But Nancy, who's some years older than Katherine, who's never been married, and who we learn throughout the course of the movie still hasn't gotten over the man who jilted her years earlier, is watching one of her favorite TV programs. Sitting there in a housecoat excitedly rooting for the "nice-looking man" on the game show on her screen, Nancy insists she'd rather stay home. "I'm fine here," she asserts, despite Katherine's pleading.

There's something achingly sad about this woman sitting home in front of the tube when it's obvious throughout the movie that she's not altogether fine, in fact she's really lonely—and when she could go out dancing with her friend. I mean, think of the men she could meet while out on the town with Julia Roberts!

And in a brief instant my mind flashed from Nancy alone on the couch saying no to going out with a friend, to the times when I've done the same thing. I'm no homebody, but I know there have been times when it's been easier, safer, less tiring, or more familiar to stay home watching my televised friends than to go out and enjoy time with the three-dimensional ones with whom I've been blessed. At times I fear I've become too comfortable with my own company.

I know at least some of you know what I'm talking about. In a recent Singles Channel poll, we asked how many hours a week you spend watching TV, and 14 percent of you admitted to watching more than 18 hours of television a week. Another 11 percent watches between 13 and 18 hours of TV. But there are other non-televised versions of this phenomenon: reading, playing video games, baking, or doing some sort of hobby.

Of course we obviously need some time alone to unwind, regroup, enjoy our own company (or, as is often the case with me, watch a subtitled flick my friends don't want to see!). And sure, we spend some of that time home alone because there's no other option. But it's when that time at home gets excessive or becomes an escape to getting out there in the world, having the healthy human contact we crave, and leading a full, vibrant life that I'm talking about.

This movie scene called to my mind those times when we opt out of people time because it's risky and unfamiliar, or involves extra time or planning or compromise, or because we prefer the absolute control of the remote, the fridge, or the best seat in the house. How easy it is at times for us singles to stay in our little cocoon, turning down invites or failing to make them, orbiting around in our little self-made world.

Last week I was forced from this temptation. After being home with my family for a week over the holidays, I spent another week at my apartment using up my remaining vacation days from work. After all the bustling activity of staying with my folks and seeing extended family the previous seven days, my solo home seemed awfully quiet … depressingly so.

So, to save my sanity, I got on the phone and started making plans with friends. I ate out with Kim, shopped with Lori, saw movies with Julie and LaTonya. And yes, I also slept in, watched Ellen and Kim Possible alone in my pj's on the couch, and read into the wee hours of the night. I mean, a girl's still gotta milk her alone time during vacation! But it was the balance of the two—me time and people time—that made the week perfect. And made me wonderfully content.

And so, my new goal for the new year: to accept and extend more invitations. Sure, it'll involve some compromises—like when I saw Stuck on You last week because my friend Margaret is a big Matt Damon fan. And it'll involve some traffic congestion driving into nearby Chicago to explore a new restaurant or museum exhibit with friends. And sometimes it'll involve picking up the phone and finding out who's free for some spontaneous fun.

And, on occasion, I hope it'll require flipping off my TV, taking off my slippers, and slipping into some dancing shoes. Or going out to watch another surprisingly inspirational chick flick!

Camerin welcomes your feedback and brainstorms at: SinglesNewsletter@ChristianityToday.com

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Read more from 'Single Minded'

Table For One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness by Camerin Courtney You'll love this book by the Singles Channel's own Camerin Courtney! It's an honest and upbeat look at the emotions, expectations, joys, frustrations, and privileges of the single life, that will delight and inspire you! Buy it today!