If you have been reading the newsletter for a while, you have likely surmised that I live with my husband and dog, Peanut. But before we started dating (in 2019), I had been single and living alone for most of my adult life, give or take a fling here and there. The only time I had a roommate outside of college was when I first moved to New York in 2006, at 24, and it was mostly for budget reasons. From about 2008 until 2020, I lived by myself in the same rent stabilized apartment on east 83rd street. I loved that apartment. It wasn’t perfect - there were occasional mice, old appliances, heat issues, thin walls and a loud upstairs “stomper” - but it was mine.
I think living alone forces you to learn certain things about yourself, do things yourself, and enjoy spending time with yourself (to name a few). It also gives you a sense of independence and ease being with yourself that opens the door for other solo adventures, like travel.