Living alone is something I never thought I would do, but here I am! Chillin’ in a messy studio, sitting at my workspace (on my bed), and loving this sweet solitude. I can’t tell you whether I prefer living alone or living with roommates. They’re both wonderful options for different reasons. Over the past couple months, I have learned that there are quite a few rewards of living alone, as well as some bummers.
Pros of Living Alone
1. I’ve been getting the best sleep of my life. I am the lightest sleeper ever, so any tiny noise wakes me up. Living in the city means there are occasional sirens and crazy people yelling, but it’s not too bad.
2. I can make a mess and it’s okay. This actually should be in the “Cons” section.
3. I can buy all the home decor and dishes that I want! Okay, that isn’t true. At all. But you know what I mean. I’m excited to finally display all of my glassware and bowls without cluttering the shelves.
4. Living by myself challenges me to go out and seek community. Having social interaction isn’t so effortless anymore.
5. I am so much more productive! After college, I only lived with friends. That meant wine and cheese girls nights were a regular thing (I miss those nights so much). Those were the best times, but the absence of wine and cheese nights has led me to many, many nights of getting stuff done. I think that has made me happier and less overwhelmed in the long run.
Cons of Living Alone
1. Whenever something hilarious happens, I just have to laugh all by myself. In the past, I would run down the hallway to laugh with a roomie. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with laughing alone. It’s not as weird as it sounds. Oh, now you probably think I’m a crazy person. Moving on…
2. The silence makes me jumpier than usual. The other day, everything in my studio was so quiet until I heard a floorboard creak. I immediately knocked over my cup of coffee, spilling it all over the floor, the couch, and myself.
3. I end up talking to myself way too much. Again with the crazy lady business. I like to think this is normal but sometimes I stop myself and I’m like, “Whoa. Too far.”
4. It takes a great amount of self-discipline to keep things clean and beautiful around here. It was easier to stay motivated while living in a shared space. Now, I’ve only got myself to impress. This should be in the “Pros” section (see Pro #2).
5. There is much more time to feel homesick. Homesickness is a brand new feeling for me. In the past, I would sometimes get sad before leaving my family for an extended period of time, but I always knew when I would see them next. This is a different kind of ache. I never liked my hometown much, but I now would fly back in a heartbeat just to hang out with my family.
Do you live alone or with roommates/a significant other? If you live alone, I would love to hear how much you like or don’t like it. How do you deal with loneliness and staying motivated to straighten up your space?
ps. Photos are from my Instagram. Aren’t those dahlias amazing?! Whole Foods was good to me yesterday.
Jillian says
I have lived alone for years after a long stint with roommates. I love it, but I’m an introverted person and spend a lot of time with people at work so being home alone feels like a break. Wireless headphones are my favorite accessory. Listening to music and podcasts keep me company and block out some of the little sounds that would probably make me jumpy. I use them a lot but especially when cleaning. Sometimes on the weekends though I will realize that I haven’t talked to a person in a while so I will make myself go out and take a yoga class, sit in a coffee shop, go to the library, browse through a shop-just interact. Hopefully, your homesickness will get easier. Don’t worry about talking to yourself too much.
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
I feel the same way about needing alone time after work! Being around people all day is exhausting. And good idea, I should probably listen to music more! I play it when I’m cleaning or working out but otherwise, I just don’t think to add background noise.
A. Sparkle says
I don’t live alone anymore since being engaged, but sometimes I do miss the pros of living alone. The best part of living alone to me was when I wanted absolute silence, I had it. If I didn’t feel like watching tv for a week, there was no problem. Or vice versa, if I wanted to cackle loudly on the phone or turn the music up to whatever I felt like listening to was pure bliss. I think the best part of living alone is being sick by yourself. You can be as grody as you want and it doesn’t matter. (it’s also a con too, bc if you need help no one is there)
On the con side of things, you do tend to lose touch with the human race, unless you are close to family and/or friends which I was not. And you’re right about the talking to yourself and the laughing by yourself thing. It’s just not the same as going to the next bedroom over and sharing a laugh with someone. I think it’s really just a preference and you just gotta deal with the good and the bad. :)
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
I totally feel you on being able to have things quiet (or loud) when you want them to be. And haha, I never thought about being sick as a “pro” but that makes so much sense!
Noor says
I would do anything to live alone. When I was in school, I never could since I could not afford that at the time and now I am in a house with a crazy 6 year old dreaming of living alone lol.
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
Oh my goodness! Well, at least you get to have family time whenever you want it? The grass is always greener I suppose. :)
Jessika says
I live with my boyfriend, but since I am without work, it’s like I live alone. I too get jumpy while alone (i’m a natural scaredy cat). I hate being alone which is why i’ve always welcomed roomies and siblings. The only thing that bugs me about living with roomies or boyfriend is i’m always the cleaner one. I love a clean space, it helps me think and feel refreshed. I hate cleaning up after people and things on the floor. I’m okay if your mess is in your area, but once it starts crawling to my side, NO WAYS. I’ve had lots of messy roommates and it never gets easier! xo – Jessika, Jessclassy
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
Oh gosh, cleaning after people is no fun! For the most part I’ve lived with tidy people but it is nice to only have to worry about my own mess (and for no one to get mad about my messes, haha).
Hope says
I am so scared of every little sound when I am alone, the sound of the gate swinging, the heating in the pipes kicking in and even the creaking of the doors makes me jump haha H xx
http://www.hopesgone.blogspot.com
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
I’m that way too lately! There’s a “Now Renting” sign that hangs right outside of my window and it makes this creaking sounds whenever the wind blows. It’s kind of creepy, but at least it’s consistent. :)
Janny says
I lived alone for awhile between college and getting married. It is something everyone who can live alone should do at least once! One of the best parts was that I could burn any scented candle I wanted without worrying about whether or not my living partner would like it. If I wanted my home to smell like Christmas year around, it did! The worst thing was during the winter months when I could possibly we snowed in my driveway for three days straight…all alone.
Lessons By Love (And Wine)
Jennifer | Earl Grey Blog says
Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous for winter! I hope it’s not too bad over here. I have a master plan to fly to California to avoid feeling lonely when it’s too rainy and dark. You’re right about the candles though! Love that. :)