The Cowsills In Magazines

Everyone gets uptight. It's a very normal feeling and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. And it's during these "uptight" moments that you just want to be alone. Being by yourself can give you a chance to put the pieces back together and get over your uptightness.

I've always been one of those people who believe in the right to privacy - so if I go into my bedroom and close the door, it's a signal everyone in my family respects. They know I'm hiding out in my favorite place and don't want to be disturbed no matter what. Because we're together so much, as performers and as a family, I think we Cowsills are more considerate and understanding of someone's wishes to be alone. And it's a good thing we are!

"Suebar," my pet black poodle, and I do almost everything together. I have my own room at home where Suebar and I go to play, watch television, or listen to records. I tell Suebar a lot of my secrets too! I don't really have to hide anywhere. Next to being by myself with Suebar - I like best to be alone with my mom.

Sometimes I think of how great it would be to be a kid again and have a secret hiding place that was "mine" - a place to retreat to when the going got rough. But when you get to be my age (I was 20 on August 26th), you can't go climb a tree and sit it out.

Now, when I'm trying to get my head together over something in particular, I take a drive, a walk - anything to get away from all the chaos. Then I can regain my perspective and, hopefully, make an adult decision.