“Living Alone Isn’t a Phase—It’s a Joy”
“If you’d asked me a decade ago where I thought I’d be at 40,” says Catie with a smile, “I probably would’ve described a house in the suburbs, a couple of kids, and a golden retriever named something adorable like Waffles.” Instead, Catie finds herself happily solo in a cozy Manhattan apartment filled with personality—floral wallpaper, stacks of books, and a gallery wall of art she chose without needing a second opinion.
Living alone, for many, is often painted as a temporary stage—something between college roommates and cohabiting with a partner or starting a family. But for Catie and so many others, solo living isn’t just a waiting room for a more “settled” life. It is the settled life.
“I don’t feel like I’m missing out,” she says. “I genuinely love my own company. I get to make all the decisions—from what music plays on Sunday mornings to how I decorate my walls. There’s something quietly powerful about building a life that’s entirely yours.”
Below, Catie and 11 others open up about what it really feels like to live alone—whether it’s thrilling, peaceful, challenging, or somewhere in between.
“There’s a delicious freedom in the silence.”
— Nina, 34, Boston
“I never realized how overstimulated I’d been until I moved into my own space. The quiet isn’t lonely—it’s grounding. I can think clearly. I can hear myself again.”
“I don’t have to compromise on my bedtime.”
— Aaron, 41, Los Angeles
“I go to sleep absurdly early, like a 19th-century farmer. Living alone means I don’t have to explain that to anyone. I just brush my teeth, get into bed, and read until I doze off by 9:30.”
“There are moments of loneliness, sure—but also moments of deep contentment.”
— Layla, 29, Austin
“I keep a mental list of all the things I love about solo living: dancing in the kitchen, spontaneous movie marathons, never having to share the last slice of cake. It helps on days when I feel a little disconnected.”
“I learned how to fix things.”
— Marcus, 38, Chicago
“The first time my shower drain clogged, I panicked. Then I Googled, watched a video, and did it myself. Now I’m that guy who actually owns a plunger and a set of tools. It’s oddly empowering.”
“I host dinner parties in sweatpants.”
— Jenn, 36, Portland
“My friends come over, and we all bring wine and eat off mismatched plates. There’s no pressure to make everything perfect—it’s casual, cozy, and full of laughter.”
“Decorating became an act of self-love.”
— Tasha, 31, Atlanta
“Everything in my apartment reflects who I am. I chose bold paint colors, hung giant mirrors, and filled the place with plants. I didn’t have to get anyone’s approval—it was all for me.”
“I talk to myself constantly—and I love it.”
— Elliot, 44, Seattle
“Sometimes I narrate my day like I’m in a cooking show. Other times I just say, ‘You got this,’ out loud. It’s funny and weird and makes me feel more connected to myself.”
“Solo meals have become a ritual.”
— Priya, 33, Minneapolis
“I light a candle. I put on a podcast. I plate the food like I’m serving a guest, even if it’s just me. It’s become a way of honoring myself and slowing down.”
“Living alone gave me back my mornings.”
— Calvin, 47, Philadelphia
“I never realized how chaotic my mornings had been until I had full control over them. Now, I wake up early, sip my coffee in silence, and feel like I’ve already had a full, beautiful day before 9 a.m.”
“There’s no hiding from yourself.”
— Monica, 39, New York City
“When you live alone, you confront your moods, your habits, your patterns. It’s not always easy, but it’s made me more self-aware and, ultimately, kinder to myself.”
“Sometimes, it’s just plain fun.”
— Leo, 28, Denver
“Want to watch horror movies until 2 a.m.? Done. Want to try on every outfit I own and play Beyoncé? Also done. Living alone means I get to indulge my whims without anyone batting an eye.”
