Top Ten Reasons To Get Good at Living Alone

"Why in the world would I want to get good at living alone?" scowled my discontented divorced friend who longed to be married again. "I want to meet someone and settle down. I want my old life back!" Understanding exactly where she was coming from, I reassured her that the two were not mutually exclusive. In fact, I said with conviction, getting good at living alone could very well help her realize her dream of remarriage and make getting there a whole lot more satisfying.

 

Whether you desire to get married or remarried or to stay single, there are plenty of compelling reasons to find contentment on your own and to reach a comfort level with your independence.

 

Below, I've assembled my "Top Ten" best reasons for getting good at living alone. Like conquering any challenge, mastering the art of living alone has its rewards, even if it's just for a year or two . . . or a lifetime.

 

REASON #1: Living alone gives you the chance to determine who you really are and what you really want for your life. No "shoulds" or other people's agendas. Those of us who live alone have the gift of abundant time to ourselves. Used wisely, this time can be an adventure in self-discovery and reveal opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.

 

REASON #2: Finding contentment on your own will help you avoid entering into unhealthy relationships out of loneliness or desperation. Maybe no other reason to get good at living alone is as important as this one. And it goes for both sexes. The inability to survive a Friday night alone, to prepare and eat a meal by yourself, or to overcome feelings of inadequacy make you easy prey for a "suitor" with dubious intentions. It's a risky place to be. Getting good at living alone will improve your chances of meeting someone who values and appreciates your strengths, not your weaknesses.

 

REASON #3: Living alone is a real motivator, especially when it comes to managing your money. When you live alone you don't have a choice. And, frankly, that's a good thing. Ignorance around money matters can put people - especially women - at a real disadvantage. Living alone forces you to make sense of your finances. Peace of mind and a sense of empowerment are the rewards. With increased knowledge and self-confidence you'll be less vulnerable and in a better position to protect your future, whether you remain single or - perhaps more importantly - get remarried.

 

REASON #4: When you live alone with success you have the chance to be a role model for others. Inspired by your good example, a divorced friend, a widowed parent, or an adult child who is still single can find strength, hope, and comfort in seeing firsthand that living alone can be a satisfying, enjoyable lifestyle.

REASON #5: Living alone affords you the opportunity to become more independent, more self-sufficient, and more resourceful. No more "his and her" division of duties: it's all "yours!" Learning to master things around the house - from minor repairs to hiring a roofing contractor, from planting a garden to making lasagna from scratch - can be a real source of satisfaction and self-pride. It can also make you an even more interesting, confident, and well-rounded person.

 

REASON #6: Taking care of yourself enables you to take care of others. If you've got kids at home or elderly parents who count on you, you'll be better able to focus on their needs if you are successfully managing your own life.

 

REASON #7: Getting good at living alone also looks good on you. When you're at peace with yourself and are making the best of your circumstances, it shows and people notice. You will radiate vitality. And that's intriguing. It will open up your world and draw people and compliments to you.

 

REASON #8: Besides boosting your self-esteem, getting good at living alone will help boost your immune system. Eating healthy, enjoying a good night's sleep, getting regular health check-ups, and exercising are all within your control and will contribute to feeling good and alive.

 

REASON #9: Glorious time to yourself! Living alone gives you a chance to enjoy peaceful, meaningful "you time." With the ability to control your schedule and find uninterrupted time to yourself, you can accomplish all those things you've been meaning to get to do, large and small, from finishing that good book, to planning trip to Italy, to running a marathon. There's no stopping you.

 

REASON #10: And finally, my top reason for getting good at living alone? You can leave dishes in the sink, eat ice cream for dinner, or turn the heat up to 74 degrees! No matter what, there is nobody there to second-guess you. I'm kidding, of course. But there's a lot to be said for enjoying the freedom of expression that living alone affords you. You can be you - fully you - when you live alone. Take note. And enjoy the sheer abandon and carefree lack of restraint that comes with being in charge of your own life.

Living alone can be a valuable period of self-determination. Embrace it with enthusiasm. Get good at it. And reap the rewards!