I’ve never lived alone. I grew up in a house with my mother and sister, roomed with a lovely Brit throughout college, immediately post-college lived in an apartment with two girls, moved home for a bit, moved to a condo in the city with a Craigslist find, and now live with my sister and one of her best friends.
I’ve never had a problem living with people (except that one girl in the post-college apartment who … uh … turned psycho). Because of this, it never really occured to me that I could/should/would get a place on my own.
But now that I have the means (and not to mention a side business that requires some actual workspace of my own) I’m considering it ….
(And yes Valbee, opinions welcome!)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
DO IT. A while back there was an article in Glamour (you love it) about things all women should do before getting married… One was living alone. I forget the rest, but it was a good article. Promise.
Personally, I have never even had my own bedroom, always shared. I am obviously doomed.
I don’t know if you were really asking for opinions, but I’m offering one anyway. If you have the means, I think you should do it. I turned 40 years old last summer and I recently realized that I have never lived alone. I lived at home and then I lived with my husband and kids. After my husband died, it was me and the kids. They finally moved out at the same time my boyfriend moved in. Sometimes I want him to go away, just so I can see what it’s like. So, if you have the opportunity, I think you should take it – even if it’s just for a short time.
I like roommates. Living alone can get a bit boring/isolated if you ask me. Especially if you’re tinkering a lot on the computer. You might end up with lots of cats and a vacuum that has a name. Which, come to think of it, might make for some interesting blog posts…
if you are the kind of person who CAN live alone, then why not do it? if it sucks you can always try something else, especially if you get a Tenant At Will type deal.
also: its still possible to have roommates and name your vaccuum..
what’s up mortimer!
I think you should definitely do it. At least for a year. If you find that you’re lonely or whatever, you can always find someone to live with afterwards. It’s a great opportunity if you can swing it. I lived by myself for 5 years before I got married and I loved it so much. It was by far my favorite living situation.
Definitely worth it! I did it after college for 6 mos. when my roommate bought a house but I didn’t want to move with him. It was one of the best experiences. I used to say “it gets the bugs out” b/c it really refines how you live – everything in the place is a reflection of how you live and ONLY you. I have a new roommate now, but am now incredibly comfortable with the prospect of living alone if I need to.
On the female side, my g-ma has been living alone since my g-dad died about 20 years ago. She loves it, and I mean loves it. She had never lived alone before then. So give it a shot.
J-dog,
I’ve lived alone pretty much since I left my parents’ house. Had a few roommates sprinkled in over the years, but have lived alone for a total of about four years. I love it! :) You should definitely give it a try if you’ve never done it before.
do it. before you get all married up and then wanting to live alone is more of a “i’m sorry, what?” life change than an honest desire for space. it’s lovely and wonderful and worth it. even if you only get to do it once.
IMO – there is nothing like living alone. I’ve had a roommate the whole time here in Orlando and honestly, starting next week – this gal is On. Her. Own. and I’m seriously countin’ the days – nothin’ beats comin’ home to your own place with the freedom to do whatever you want – even if it’s just having dinner with some peace and quiet. Or, who knows – having a conversation with the named vacuum. Seriously – you never know until you try… I think you might be onto something here…
There is NOTHING as fabulous as living alone, as I am learning right now. Granted, my first very own apartment is a teeny-tiny studio, but I LOVE IT. I doubt I’ll ever be able to have roommates again…
I remember getting my first place back when I was single, and being worried about money because of all the horror stories people told me.
After a month or two, I started wondering what people were wasting money on, becuase I was far more comfortable than they said I would be…
Just thought you should know that.