Yeah, you "could" do it on your own...

DLKeeble

I have only been using MFP since June. I started out on my own other than my son who introduced me to the app. I did fine, but I get so much more motivation from the friendships. It gives me personal competitiveness. I don't want to let my friends down, so to speak. It is very uplifting to receive encouragement along the way. It helps to have friends that are just beginning like myself and those that have been at it awhile. They can help us forecast our outcome. So, if you don't have a group of friends, I encourage you to do so.