Since childhood, I dreamed of living alone, yearning for the independence to do whatever I wanted. Growing up in a cramped 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house with five siblings meant privacy was a rarity. My younger siblings always wanted what I had, from my Super Nintendo to my clothes and shoes, and I longed for a space of my own.
While my friends left for college or moved in with their partners, I stayed home, unable to afford my place as a broke college student working only a few hours a week. In my mid-20s, I finally saved enough money for a security deposit and moved into my apartment.
The first few days were lonely without furniture, and the initial months of living alone were a unique experience. I soon realized that living alone wasn’t everything I had hoped for. While the freedom to do as I pleased was positive, there were also downsides.
Although I don’t plan to live alone forever and hope to marry and move in with someone one day, the past five years have taught me valuable lessons. This list of my experiences may help others considering living alone, as it is based on my 100% accurate experiences and is not exaggerated.
- Positive – Having control over what you watch on TV without being interrupted or told to turn it off, providing a relaxing end to the day.
- Negative – Living alone can lead to loneliness, although it is still preferable to living in the wilderness.
- Positive – The freedom to go to bed and wake up at any time, without restriction.
- Negative – Bills can accumulate rapidly, and it feels like you have just paid one before the next one comes.
- Positive – You can enjoy your weekends with your favorite show and snacks, dressed in comfortable clothes.
- Negative – Grocery shopping becomes a challenge, as you may end up buying too much or too little food.
- Positive – No one will eat your food without your permission, unlike living with family or roommates.
- Negative – Food waste can occur since fresh produce has a short shelf life, leading to more frequent grocery trips.
- Positive – You can have company for as long as you want without restrictions.
- Negative – Dirty dishes can pile up quickly, making cleaning a constant chore.
- Positive – Having leftovers means a day off from cooking.
- Negative – Limited cooking skills and options can lead to monotony in your meals.
- Positive – You can walk around your home in whatever attire you like, as long as you draw the blinds.
- Negative – The responsibility of keeping your living space clean and tidy falls solely on you, making it a never-ending task.
- Mixed – Talking to oneself can be entertaining, but it can also be seen as strange.
- Negative – Living alone can attract pests such as mice, and buying second-hand furniture can bring unwanted surprises.
- Positive – No one will eat your leftovers, providing more meals for you.
- Negative – Being anxious about leaving appliances turned on can lead to excessive worry and stress.
- Positive – Your belongings and money remain where you put them, unlike living with others where things may go missing.
- Negative – Fear of scary movies or unexpected sounds can create anxiety and disturb your sleep.
- Positive – You can have your significant other visit you whenever they please.
- Negative – Being alert to any sound or potential danger can cause anxiety.
- Positive – Enjoying the quietness of your home after a long day is one of the best things about living alone.
Although everyone has their reasons for enjoying living alone, I can only share my experiences from the past five years. Living solo isn’t for everyone; some people prefer companionship, while others crave silence. Taking that first step is the hardest part, much like booking a flight for a big adventure. But once you leap, it’s usually smooth sailing.
While I’m no expert and can’t offer definitive advice, I suggest taking your time to find the right apartment or house that suits your needs. I’ve seen too many people hastily sign a one- or two-year lease, only to regret it later due to poor parking arrangements or noisy neighbors.
