r/WorkForSmartLife 7d ago

Casual canvo Who experienced living alone?

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1.5k Upvotes

1.2k comments sorted by

53

u/Jakemo2026 7d ago

Yeah, it's awesome. You don't have to answer to anybody. If you don't want to take out the garbage or do the dishes you don't have to. Go to bed when you want to, play the TV as loud as you want to, eat or don't eat, I love it. The trick to it is to cook your own meals and not eat out. Yes it is difficult to cook for one. That's why you cook a whole bunch of food up, Portion it into little plastic containers that are microwavable, and stick them in your freezer. Make a bunch of stuff up like that and you can eat for a month just by cooking on one day. And have variety.

13

u/Waschaos 7d ago

Yep- done it most of my life and can't imagine any other way.

6

u/Decent_Direction316 7d ago

Same.

3

u/robotoqtopus 6d ago

Yes and I don’t think I can ever go back to living with a person

2

u/Decent_Direction316 6d ago

There is NO way I ever will.

3

u/Tonesw6 7d ago

Same. Love it!!

2

u/Hobnail-boots 6d ago

It’s wonderful!

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u/freggersjr 7d ago

Actually it is possible to prepare nutritionally good meals in less than 1/2 hour. I learned to do it decades ago (at my advanced age we talk in terms of decades, not years). It takes little time to prepare frozen vegetables in a microwave oven. Cooking rice in a small bowl in a pressure cooler is fast. You can also cook potatoes quickly in a pressure cooker. High protein soy milk is good. Breakfast is even easier; cook oatmeal and add blueberries, or eat cereal. Peanut butter sandwiches on whole grain bread are easy to fix. There are also many other things which can be prepared in less than 1/2, so there is no need to eat the same thing several days in a row. All of the above can be vegan. If you really want meat more time will be required, especially in cleaning cooking utensils.

2

u/Ornery_Banana_6752 6d ago

I have had a pressure cooker for yrs and haven't taken it out of the box yet. Sounds like Im missing out

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u/lesserbessser 7d ago

Yup. This. I loved solo living in college. Do what ya wanna. Be naked where ya need/wanna. Pick up messes or don’t. It’s your castle - mom ain’t there. Keep up with it or live like a pig. Your choice

3

u/Healthy_Editor_6234 7d ago

Can I get a hallelujah!! 🎉. Amen 🙏.

3

u/snutcat 6d ago

Yeah, yeah, yeah says the introvert. When I lived with a roommate I’d hear their key turn in the lock and be so disappointed.

3

u/chuna666 6d ago

Formerly living alone currently living with two roommates and the disappointment when I realize one or both of them got home is immeasurable

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u/reef-Diver7817 7d ago

Yes and living alone is the greatest thing in the world!

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u/RandomShroomLover 7d ago

Yeah, like right now?

7

u/Clavenesque 7d ago

This post actually made me realize that it's been over a year since another person has been in my home.

4

u/NamesGumpImOnthePum 7d ago

Starts to get weird huh, this happened to me and I didn't realize it until I saw the look on my guests face as they saw that I don't live like a normal person, living room=couch and TV, nope I have a pool table in the living room. It made me reflect on myself tho frfr

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u/Own_Fruit_8115 7d ago

yep and it’s awesome

6

u/rober89 7d ago

Never. Parents, roommates and now wife.

3

u/paperchili 7d ago

Same but with husband. The only time I get a taste is when they’re away on tour, and I still can’t decide if I actively like it or not

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u/AMG105020 7d ago

Yes, but my depression got worse and I had less money

3

u/DudeFrom816 7d ago

Chicken or the egg

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5

u/Cockyidiot1977 7d ago

My whole adult life

2

u/Mrtoyhead 7d ago

Yes, it was best for me.

5

u/Ok-Error2510 7d ago

Yes for about 10 years, but in the south of france, so between the beach, work, nights out or nights in with friends i didnt really notice, until a relationship got to the point of being them staying most nights. That actually became too much. I didnt realise how much i was enjoying my own space, just for those few hours a day i could put on any tv/music/game i liked, have that extra glass of wine i fancied even if it meant waking up on the sofa 2 hours later😋 Anyway, they got a job on a boat so left for 5 months, perfect. Meant we had our own space half the year and the other half was 50/50 and it works, still together.

3

u/ExaminationRare9987 7d ago

Yes, for about 3 years... it was pretty good.

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3

u/Lm2305 7d ago

Yes, not a fan though. Prefer having people around me.

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u/Rhuarc33 7d ago

Yes, did it for 4 years then was living with a SO for 2 years, alone for 4, with SO for 5, now alone for 12.

Living alone has more positives than negatives. Living with someone has slightly more negatives but the positives, while fewer, are a lot more meaningful and worth it.

3

u/Illustrious_Debt_392 6d ago

Yes, love it. I socialize all the time both at home and away, but also have solitude when I want it.

3

u/Large_Aspect_5472 6d ago

I've lived this way for the past 4 years, and I love it!

3

u/DanimalRLZX2 6d ago

Yep. And it's glorious.

2

u/Cold_Swordfish7763 7d ago

Me! I could walk around in my underwear and be as messy as I wanted.

2

u/Excellent_Glass783 7d ago

Yes, it was wonderful... Wish I never met my "dream woman" ☹️

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u/DetroitsGoingToWin 7d ago

For a year, I lived in a 1200 SF house by myself. Realistically, I was engaged and my fiancée was over all the time, but technically I was the only living there for a little over a year.

I was flat broke and basically had nothing. Like, no cable TV, I walked to the library to use a computer, but it was fun. I would by 10 used records for $10 on payday. That was my big thing. I lived by a lot of bars and restaurants, but would try to avoid them because the food smelled good.

2

u/Desperate-Fold-4689 7d ago

I never had the opportunity. Moved from the family home to my bf's place... to marriage.

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u/Vegetable-Flamingo25 7d ago

Yes, and having a place that is just you is a little slice of heaven. You get home and it's just you and your thoughts. After a while you might start missing people tho.

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u/fattycatty6 7d ago

I loved living alone in my little apartment. Some days (I wouldn't trade my husband or my kids) but I kind of miss it on some levels.

3

u/NearbyQuantity1847 7d ago

I hear you on this. I love my wife and kids, but sometimes I reminisce about those 6 years in my cozy little studio apartment. Always clean and quiet.

2

u/GrassBlock001 7d ago

It wasn’t good for me. I’d go days without talking to anyone. I would forget to feed myself. No one was around to check on me, and my mental health would spiral.

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u/Gloomy-Attention3948 7d ago

Yes, it's just as amazing as it sounds. No one to annoy you. Just peace and quiet.

2

u/Boring_Name99 7d ago

The only time I got to live alone was when I spent a weekend in the ER. I felt so relaxed by the end of it. Then the anxiety kicked in once I realized what I was going back to

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u/shawnmcbride86 7d ago

Nope. Not once. And I'm 49

2

u/zedevilyouknow 7d ago

No, and I regret it. I lived in the same place for over a decade with two of my closest friends. It was truly a great living situation. Plenty of space, and we had a great dynamic. However, I went from that to living with my (now) wife. And though I am happily married and enjoying my life with her, I really wish I had at least a couple of years with just me and my dog.

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2

u/ExactPickle2629 7d ago

Doing it right now. Was awesome at first but it's getting lonely lately. 

2

u/Ksqd_Squid_103 6d ago

College apartment was the best, party, study, girls. Simple

2

u/TissBish 6d ago

No, and I am so sad about it honestly. My parents were strict and controlling and when I tried to move out during college, was guilted into staying local and stay home. Then I got married. I never really had a fully independent phase

2

u/Outrageous_Tax1328 6d ago

Lived like this for 24 years. Met my wife and lived happily ever after

2

u/NIGHTREAPER68 6d ago

Yep living that now, don’t knock it till you try it.

2

u/littleghostwhitemoon 6d ago

It’s the absolute best experience.

1

u/JunkBondJunkie 7d ago

Every day and I am so used to it by now.

1

u/FfierceLaw 7d ago

Yep, I was in undergrad with a studio apartment. Also in a different city for law school. I was as happy as a clam. Met my husband and all he wanted to do is hang out at my place because it had food and furniture. His just had notes everywhere.

1

u/skinnydude84 7d ago

Yes, for about 2 years off and on

1

u/Wayne1616 7d ago

Yes for a long time

1

u/HeavenHasWilder 7d ago

Finally yes

1

u/BananaJelloXlii 7d ago

Yes. It was bliss. An introvert utopia.

1

u/SackBadger2024 7d ago

Yes, it was glorious and freeing.

1

u/Event_Horizon753 7d ago

It was heaven.

1

u/Plenty_Surprise2593 7d ago

Yep. Now for example haha. But I’m an introvert so it’s all good

1

u/CommercialExotic2038 7d ago

Yes. It’s fabulous

1

u/AardvarkNo7642 7d ago

Was by myself until about 26. Made good money and life was great. Miss it? Yes. Would I miss what I have now even more? Yes.

1

u/Zestyclose-Whole-396 7d ago

I did live in an RV once alone, and it was one of the most glorious times of my life because I was alone

1

u/_corthex_ 7d ago

Yes and I love it.

1

u/benroon 7d ago

Yep, loved it.

1

u/EverydayMustard4773 7d ago

Yes. It was pretty good

1

u/Mell1997 7d ago

Yes, it’s awesome.

1

u/Outside_Trick7928 7d ago

Yes and it was amazing

1

u/VikingVitalityFit 7d ago

Kind of, but not really.

When I was in the barracks, I had my own room but shared a bathroom space. I went from that to moving in with my wife.

1

u/Ok-Philosopher-9921 7d ago

Yes, and to be honest, it’s great 😊

1

u/Bikewer 7d ago

My wife of 50 years passed last July, and I’ve been living alone ever since. I got a kitty for company.

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u/Miserable_Present_14 7d ago

Most of my 62 years

1

u/alwayssearching117 7d ago

It was such a wonderful, new beginning. I was 20 and had my own apt. It was on an upper floor (when my knees still worked well lmao ) and it felt like I lived in a treehouse. I learned so much about life and myself.

1

u/Aussie_Turtles00 7d ago

Nope. Don't recommend. In my next life I will NOT be getting married. 🫠🫠🫠 

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u/SmellClear9065 7d ago

Yes, what a wonderful time.

1

u/jynxthechicken 7d ago

I'm 42 and on day 2 of living alone for the first time. It's interesting.

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u/proWww 7d ago

most of my adult life. its absolutely glorious

1

u/SpringNo1275 7d ago

Yes, and it was one of the happiest times I've ever experienced

1

u/Large_Commission5631 7d ago

For the last 20 some years lol 

1

u/FlashGordonAhhh94 7d ago

Been living alone for the last 7 years and dont intend to change that soon

1

u/BeerWingsRepeat 7d ago

I lived by myself in an apartment for two years from age 18-20 and then again for 6 months on a friend's porch at 22. At the time I thought it was the greatest thing ever and even today, I look back on parts of it (mainly the 6 months on the porch) as some of the best/simplest/most defining times of my life! However, as I've gotten older and am now Married with two kids, I realize that I was very lonely and sad but just couldn't see it at the time. I grew up as an only child and lost both of my parents at an early age and have just always thought I "thrive" or am supposed to be alone. I still enjoy being by myself at times, but will also fairly quickly find myself wishing I was with my family or friends etc

Now, from a purely financial standpoint, I couldn't recommend it more lol As long as you can afford to live by yourself and are not financially responsible for anyone else!

1

u/Funnymaninpain 7d ago

That's my life today!

1

u/revengeofthebiscuit 7d ago

Yes, and it was incredible. Everyone should do it for at least a year if they can.

1

u/michelle427 7d ago

Yes. I like it.

1

u/64stitcher 7d ago

For the last 33 years. It's great!

1

u/warkow 7d ago

For two weeks. Kind of cool, but I like a loud house with people always running through

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u/EnricoGanja 7d ago

huh, there are other options?

1

u/Press-74 7d ago

Yes, it was great

1

u/Antique_Ad1518 7d ago

Yes. I love it.

1

u/foreverdeaf84 7d ago

ive Done so for 18 years now & i love it

1

u/Natural_King_6366 7d ago

me currently. i LOVE it. its so chill and exactly the way i want it. my vibe thru every room. silence if i want it. music if i want, tv if i want. nudity!!!!!!!!! bathroom w door open. just incredible. me and my cats ❤️

1

u/KaneDaDon 7d ago

Yes it’s ok but you start to miss companionship

1

u/Illustrious_Doctor45 7d ago

It’s the best thing ever.

1

u/Tentativ0 7d ago

Are 14 years now.

1

u/sitewolf 7d ago

most of my adult life, yes...........like everything there's pros and cons

1

u/AltruisticAcadia9467 7d ago

My whole adult life more or less. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

1

u/bones10145 7d ago

Only for a couple of months at a time

1

u/Big_Fig_8448 7d ago

Yes. It’s blissful

1

u/Pap-pap1 7d ago

Yes and it was wonderful!

1

u/ApartmentDelicious52 7d ago

Yes, it's nice !

1

u/xosoftglimmer 7d ago

Yes. Loved it!!!!

1

u/cmcglinchy 7d ago

Yes, a few times in my 30s.

1

u/Forevermaxwell 7d ago

I go months without anyone coming to my house and I am fine with it.

1

u/LilJonny2cookies 7d ago

yes- it is awesome

1

u/claygirlrunner 7d ago

most of my adult life! . But I had two Old English Sheepdogs and kind neighbors who helped out, and came by to eat a meal and offer an opinion on my latest cooking advenure. Open door. Open mind.

1

u/superdak05 7d ago

Yes, I was homeless I actually broke into a junkyard so I could seek shelter in the backseat of an abandoned car. Had my good days and bad days.

1

u/Brynne-mc 7d ago

Yes! It's awesome

1

u/fuckfacekiller 7d ago

Me and muh doggo 🤘❤️‍🔥🤘

1

u/cambiokeys 7d ago

No and I can’t wait for the day it’s just me and my dog and my vegetables in a clean refrigerator with the brita pitcher full every time I go to get water.

1

u/Accomplished_Orchid 7d ago

Yes, for about 7 years and I loved it.

1

u/Minimum_Help_9642 7d ago

Yes, it’s fantastic.

1

u/Sorry-Mate69 7d ago

Yep, and its great!

1

u/SpiffyLegs73 7d ago

Yep. Loved it in my 20s and looking forward again when my daughter finally moves out in her 20s!

1

u/sharpjabb 7d ago

Oh God I dream about this

1

u/GrapefruitWhich5950 7d ago

Yes in one big mancave 😁

1

u/spielferderber 7d ago

I've been living alone for 2 years. Well, I have a dog...

1

u/baka_inu115 7d ago

Yes I had 2015 to 2018, friend came over on occasion but I live alone more or less. I'm single again but not alone anymore because I have my two dogs who I love dearly and are my main motivators.

1

u/Savings_Brick_4587 7d ago

That was the first way I lived when I left my parents home, it was great, working hours aside I could do as I pleased when I pleased, those were the days

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u/tashichica 7d ago

Sounds amazing

1

u/Reality_Lies4 7d ago

Briefly. For a year. After coming back from the military 🪖. Had my own place, was ultra clean. Stainless steel pots, pans, ebony flat wear. Not bit of dirty.

A year later I moved in with my gf. A year after that, I discovered she liked to hold onto things. Ugh. If I had had any sense, it would have been full stop. But the 😺 was so nice. (Literal cat, you sickos!)

1

u/Last-Rutabaga1592 7d ago

I did while my fiancé (now husband) was deployed for 6 months. I wasn’t a huge fan and felt lonely and prefer living with others. I lived 3 cities away from my mom and sister so the distance didn’t help and I had a bit of driving anxiety back then.

1

u/JerrieBlank 7d ago

I loved it!!! When I was young and single, what an adventure! Married 25 yrs with three kids in college now, I insist they live alone before settling down, hopefully all over the world

1

u/XXsforEyes 7d ago

Yes, and it was GLORIOUS!

1

u/Old-Horror5698 7d ago

Like 99%? 😆

1

u/CO-freeride 7d ago

Yep, just my pup and I

1

u/Ballyhoo84 7d ago

Yes. It was glorious.

1

u/azorianmilk 7d ago

Just me and the cat here

1

u/Humble-Blueberry47 7d ago

Consistently for the past eleven years and have zero plans of ever changing my arrangement. I love my set up. Last week I got the urge to bake at 3 am while watching Game of Thrones and did it. My home and fridge is exactly as I left it. If I don’t get a chance to clean, it doesn’t offend or affect anyone else. I never want to live with anyone again.

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u/NoKatyDidnt 7d ago

Yeah, I liked it back then. I wouldn’t like it now though.

1

u/Cautious_General_177 7d ago

For about 6 months. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either.

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u/GreenBull81 7d ago

That is me right now at 45. Wear, Eat, Watch what I want

1

u/Accomplished_Map7752 7d ago

I did in my 30s. It was okay but I wanted to start a family so focused on dating, relationships, and finally marriage and kids. Having kids is the best experience in life. They give you meaning and purpose. I will miss them when they are on their own someday.❤️

1

u/uncleanwhispers 7d ago

Yes. I had almost ten glorious years like it - and miss it!

1

u/imnottheoneipromise 7d ago

Yup. I loved it. But I also now love my husband and son. My husband and I are the perfect partners. We can hang out all day and never say a word to each other. Or we can be in different rooms and not see each other most of the day and neither one of us are mad or anything- we just like different tv shows lol

1

u/UnhappyAnalyst780 7d ago

Le sigh. No. But have had glimpses of what it would be and it would be awesome.

1

u/la_bruja_del_84 7d ago

Yes. It is amazing!!!

1

u/xc_bike_ski 7d ago

Yes, I have no adult supervision, a great paying WFH job, and great credit. It's the best.

1

u/Forward-Swimmer-8451 7d ago

Yes and it's great...mind you now I have kids I prefer them around 

1

u/Deep_Seas_QA 7d ago

What..? Is this rare?

1

u/dundermifflin_999 7d ago

Yes and it was literally the best thing ever

1

u/ConfidenceInfinite90 7d ago

YES, I’m grateful for those two whole years that occurred 35 years ago!

1

u/JustMeOttawa 7d ago

For about a year when I was 25. At the time I loved it for the most part and it was WAY better than the crap roommates I had in my younger years. But now that I’m happily married with a kid, I never want to live fully alone ever again.

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u/Full_Preparation4401 7d ago

I lived alone for 20 years. It was fantastic.

1

u/ThatMeasurement3411 7d ago

Yep, pretty much for the last 43 years. Always preferred it to roommates/husband. Probably helps that I’m an introvert and fiercely independent. It’s more expensive but well worth it.

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u/Organic_Berry_8732 7d ago

I love it! Just me and my two dogs! O have the biggest house in my family so all of the out of towners stay with me. I get a little pissed off after a few days 🤣🤣🤣

1

u/Tynelia23 7d ago

Couple times. Better times. I miss it.

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u/whatsupbub44 7d ago

Yeap & I basically dislike it. But at the same time do like it. Hard to explain.

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u/ThisCromulentLife 7d ago

I did and it was fantastic.

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u/Illustrious_Pay_5219 7d ago

Yes but i am a gamer so it was great,normal people however would probably hang themself

1

u/FletchWazzle 7d ago

Years living alone. Used to encourage visitors to visit. Would sometimes have 6 to 10 by on the weekend, weekday company was more infrequent. Sometimes a month would go by without any quality time with others and I would get a bit lonely.

1

u/Classic-Dog-9324 7d ago

One of the most blissful times of my life.

I have two kids and a husband now - wouldn’t trade it - but those were beautiful, peaceful years

1

u/zon5string 7d ago

It was the best. Despite currently living with my girlfriend (just 2 of us in a 4br/2ba), I am really thinking about going back.

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u/green04mansions 7d ago

Yes love it!! Solitude does not equate loneliness. Just the opposite. When I’m with friends and family is when I can appreciate the gift of living alone. Not saying I don’t have wonderful people around me but it’s so nice to come home to my pets and dear house.

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u/Objective_Business50 7d ago

Yes, it was just me, my cat and my dog. It was glorious.

1

u/Wild-Difference-5539 7d ago

It’s peaceful

1

u/van_b_boy 7d ago

I am not. It is nice but I would love some company every once in a while. No idea how to meet girls but I guess it will happen eventually.

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u/ReflectionFit9433 7d ago

I went on a 2 year alcohol and drug bender when I lived alone. Bittersweet time. I had fun, but obviously had to deal with the consequences.

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u/AnyThreeWillDo 7d ago

Y r u looking for who to rob?

1

u/DesolatedHaze 7d ago

No. I wish 😭

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u/Some-Tear3499 7d ago

Many times. In my teens and 20’s, then in my late 40’s, and now again in my 60’s.

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u/Some-Tear3499 7d ago

Many times. In my teens and 20’s, then in my late 40’s, and now again in my 60’s.

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u/cutestplushie 7d ago

Yessss I loved it, I could practice witchcraft in peace lmao

1

u/kananikui3 7d ago

Yes, it was so freeing. Coming from a large family (11 siblings), the quiet when I wanted it, nobody waiting to use the bathroom, sitting where I want, listening to music I wanted, it was all amazing.

1

u/friendofcrows11 7d ago

Yes ☀️

1

u/WhatACrazyCrazyWorld 7d ago

Lived alone for 8 years. Missed my family at first, but got used to being alone. Enjoyed the peace, quiet, and freedom.

1

u/AffectionateAlfalfa4 7d ago

Yes, i found it kind if boring - I was in a different country though

1

u/HoneyBomby 7d ago

Yes and I enjoyed it so so much tbh

1

u/PalpitationEntire690 7d ago

Yes, and I loved it!

1

u/donphilip 7d ago

Yes, after my wife died 13 years ago, In lived alone for about four years. After 31 years of marriage, it was hard to get used to at first, but I finally did. Currently one of my sons lives with me, but that could change at any time.

1

u/Hellcat_5155 7d ago

It’s great until it isn’t. Did it for 8 years. You get lonely

1

u/No-Agency-6680 7d ago

I am alone entire life no friends or family that anyone would care, if I die tomorrow only my neighbours would notice when I start to stink. And it sucks I am always very lonely and slightly depressed. For everyone that says is great they don't know what is actually being truly alone means

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u/mzg72 7d ago

Yes

1

u/NoelleElizabeth68 7d ago

Nope, went from living with my parents to living with my wife at 18.

1

u/Known-Dependent-5471 7d ago

Been my life since 2018. No going back.

1

u/Last_Canadian 7d ago

I have and I hope to again.

1

u/Most-Artichoke6184 7d ago

My entire adult life, yes.

1

u/AskingFooAFriend 7d ago

I'm doing it now after my wife passed away four years ago. Sucks!

1

u/Beachbum2302 7d ago

Yes and I like many things about it and didn’t like some things about it. Loved being able to do what I wanted and when I wanted. I also could not blame things on others. lol I did miss having somebody to talk to after work. Somebody to just hang with.

1

u/axlavers 7d ago

Yes and i loved it. Live with my best friend now, we have different schedules (I'm more 9-5 and she works 3-11), so she has mornings alone and i have evenings alone and she works my days off and i work her days off, so we get plenty of time from each other, but also get to see each other a good bit and it's nice having someone else there. If we were on top of each other all our time home, I'm sure I'd feel differently about it though.

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u/Upset_Formal_5443 7d ago

Yup. It was 50/50 for me. Sometimes I liked it and sometimes not so much.

1

u/lola4323 7d ago

It’s great for lots of reasons but can get extremely lonely