Living Alone: The Pros and Cons You Should Consider

For years, living alone has been labeled as an aberration, with society predisposing us to believe that there was something wrong with someone who chose to live alone. Single people were once pitied and even discriminated against. However, things are gradually changing, and the thought of living alone is no longer viewed as a terrible choice or a sentence to loneliness. In fact, more and more people are choosing to live alone, and the positive aspects of living solo are getting emphasized. As a woman in her forties living alone, I can attest to the ecstatic feeling of discovering this good news. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of living alone and how it can be an excellent choice for some people.

Pros of Living Alone

1. No More Compromising

When you live alone, you don’t have to negotiate or compromise on things like decoration, furnishings, or lighting. You choose what you like and what feels best for you. You don’t have to adjust your lifestyle based on someone else’s schedule, and you are free to live life on your terms. Furthermore, solitary life means you can leave the toilet lid up or down without anyone judging you.

2. Greater Privacy

Living alone means you enjoy more privacy, which is something that everyone cherishes. You can have people over without anyone else’s input or accept invitations regardless of who else shows up. You can dance around your living room with your favorite music, watch TV in your underwear, or have a messy house without anyone reproaching you.

3. More Independence and Autonomy

Living alone offers a sense of independence and autonomy that cannot be matched by anything else. You can make your own decisions without worrying about what anyone else thinks, and you can explore new opportunities without needing anyone’s approval. Moreover, you have complete control over your finances and are responsible for all of your bills, and when you need to pay for something, you can do just like that.

4. Improved Focus

When you live alone, you can focus on your interests, passions, and career without anyone getting in your way. With nobody to distract you or make noise, you can devote all your attention to what matters to you. You don’t have to worry about anyone else’s hobbies or interests, and your time is your own to savor and utilize as you please.

5. Increased Self-Discovery

Living alone contributes significantly to one’s self-discovery, which is an essential aspect of personal development. You have ample opportunities to find out who you are, what you believe in and discover your strengths and weaknesses. Besides, living alone helps you discover what you really like and don’t like and what lifestyle suits you best.

Cons of Living Alone

1. Limited Socialization

While solitude can be essential at times, it can also lead to social isolation, which is not good for your mental and emotional well-being. Living alone means that you spend a lot of time by yourself, which can make you feel lonely and bored. Although you can still socialize with friends, it is essential to note that you are solely responsible for keeping that social life active.

2. Diminished Emotional Support

Living by yourself can also lead to diminishing the emotional support that comes with living with someone else. Having isolated weekends or evenings can be tough, and there’s nobody to help you get through tough times. If you’re dealing with any personal struggles such as depression, anxiety, or any other mental health problems, you need to proactively seek support from a professional therapist.

3. No Sharing of Responsibilities

Living with someone else means you share responsibilities such as cleaning, cooking, paying bills, and errands. When you live alone, everything falls on your lap. There’s no one to share the chores with, and you have to do it all by yourself, which can be overwhelming.

4. Higher Costs

When you live alone, you pay for everything by yourself. Utilities, rent, groceries, and internet costs. The expenses pile up swiftly, and you are solely responsible for managing them. Besides, you hardly enjoy the economies of scale that come with sharing costs with someone else.

5. Security Concerns

Living alone while enjoying privacy also comes with safety concerns. When you live alone, you are solely responsible for your safety, and you have to ensure that your home is secure at all times.

Final Thoughts

Living alone as a woman in her forties has numerous benefits and downsides that you should consider before making the decision to live alone. While you relish the independence, greater privacy, and focus that come with living alone, you should also reflect on the potential socialization limitations, lack of emotional support, higher costs, no sharing of responsibilities, and security concerns. When you make the final decision to live alone, ensure you work to enjoy the positive aspects of living alone while mitigating the negative ones.