Secrets to Happiness: Pros and Cons of Living Alone and Single

Here are a few of the ups and downs of living alone as a single person.  Some won’t apply if you have a close friend or girl/boyfriend who does lots of  things a spouse would, but lives at a different address.   If this is the case, you are in an enviable position…perhaps.

This means that you’ve committed somewhat, you can be there for each other, just haven’t combined into one address. If you’ve yet to commit to this person who cares for you, you may want to consider it.  Be sure that they are not getting ready to move on and look for someone who is willing to make the ultimate commitment.

Single and living alone – Pluses:

• Can decide what to do, what to buy, where to work, what to eat, how to decorate (or not) your residence…and all the rest, without getting anyone’s opinions and without feeling judged for your choices
• No fights at home
• Ability to have multiple romantic relationships and the excitement of being with someone new
• Don’t have to pay attention to anyone or be polite at home (unless you have company)
• Don’t have to worry about supporting a partner financially, if they should lose their job or become unable to work, or unwilling to work
• No time taken up helping a partner with things like picking them up when they’re stranded, taking to doctors when ill etc.
• Can devote all your time to making money and/or outstanding achievements in your chosen occupation or hobbie(s).

Single and living alone – Minuses:

• Sense that no one knows where you are and no one will know when you return home-i.e. a lonely feeling
• Have to live on one income – if partnered, you can pool two incomes to afford a higher standard of living
• Missing one person who shares with you a commitment to stay through good times and bad. This is not always the case with couples, but seems worth doing if you’re a full time couple.
• No one around to help when things come up
• No one to share your joys with.  Success might feel empty without someone to share it.
• No one to remind you to take time off, may become a work-a-holic, and burn out

Perhaps this is all clear as mud.  That’s ok; it’s only to get you thinking.  Certain phases of life might work better while single – for instance if you travel a lot, or just want to take time to get to know yourself as an individual.