On Women Living Alone
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I take great pleasure in being a woman living alone. People ask me if I ever get lonely. No, no, I don’t. I am at peace because I cherish my solitude.
And it’s so much better than living in a loveless or a horrible marriage.
There is a misconception about living alone. And a vast difference between being alone and being lonely.
I was far more lonely in a dull, shattered marriage.
Living alone doesn’t mean being lonely.
Reasons I Like Living Alone
I love living alone for many reasons.
Not Having to Share a Bathroom
I like having a bathroom to myself. I can soak in the bathtub for as long as I want without anyone waiting to shower. And it doesn’t matter if I’ve used up the available hot water.
No one else leaves toothpaste residue in the sink for me to clean up, or forgets to replace the toilet paper. The towels aren’t bunched up from someone drying their hands in a hurry and not straightening them.
Eating What I Want, When I Want
Sometimes I enjoy eating take-out Chinese tofu and vegetable entrées three nights in a row. That wouldn’t appeal to everyone.
It doesn’t matter to me if I’ve eaten leftovers all week. I can reheat the tofu and vegetables in a big bowl with rice, and dig in. Oh, joy! And so little to clean up.
Decorate How I Want, When I Want
Men seem to hate it when you move the furniture around. But I could no more stop moving furniture and decor around than stop breathing.
I am an inveterate furniture re-arranger. And I would probably die of boredom if I had to look at the same furniture arrangement for years.
As a woman living alone, if I want to rearrange the furniture and leave things halfway done, I can. And no one will complain. Bliss!
Having Pets for Housemates
I happily share a house with three cats. They keep me on my toes and are such fun to watch. They don’t like to cuddle. But that’s okay. Neither do I!
Not everyone wants to live with pets, but I think it’s wonderful! They enjoy seeing me come home, and their eyes light up when I walk through the door.
There are no extra dishes to deal with when you’re a woman living alone. No one has left a sticky bowl of ice cream from a late-night snack for you to wash.
Having Mornings to Myself

Mornings are almost sacred to me. I like to brew coffee, sit down, and enjoy that rich aroma before my first sip.
After I tend to breakfast and the kitties, I sit down every morning and work for a while. I’m not on anyone else’s schedule, and there’s no timer.
When I’m hungry, I can have a snack or eat lunch, and go back to work.
Living alone means I don’t have to wait for someone to come home before eating or cooking dinner at a specific time.
No one else dictates my time.
I Can Follow My Own Routine
I’ve always been a morning person. I don’t like to stay up until the wee hours. Sleep is important because when I sleep well, I’m more productive.
You can always tell what I’m likely doing by checking the clock. I follow a routine because that’s how I’m wired.
My time is mine, and I can do with it what I wish.
Housekeeping
As a woman living alone, I can keep my house the way and when I want.
There’s a particular way I like to fold my towels in thirds. I want to know that the dishes are all washed and put away before I go to bed.
I don’t like messes such as clothes being taken off and thrown on the floor, the toothpaste cap left off, or the toilet lid left up. Especially the toilet lid left up! It’s my biggest pet peeve.
Going to Bed When I Want
If I’m engrossed in a good book and don’t want to stop reading, I can lie in bed and read far into the night.
There is no tiptoeing around because someone else is sleeping. No one looking up sleepily and asking when I’m coming to bed.
I dislike being jostled by someone while I’m trying to sleep. Living alone means no one can disturb me at night. And I don’t have to listen to someone snoring!
Watching What I Want on TV
Sometimes, instead of reading a book, I will watch endless Law & Order reruns. I love their back-to-back marathons.
When I’m searching for a movie to stream, I don’t have to ask anyone else what they prefer. I happily watch as many movies as I want, when I want.
Holidays
No one urges me to spend the holidays doing something I don’t want to do or going somewhere I don’t want to go.
I enjoy spending holidays alone with the kitties.
How many times did I attend a family dinner because I didn’t want to feel guilty about disappointing someone?
A Guide to Women Living Alone
Actually, I could come up with a dozen more reasons why I prefer my own company with three cats. But you get the gist. I simply love living alone.
Living alone as a woman can feel both empowering and intimidating. Whether it’s a new chapter after divorce or simply choosing independence, creating a fulfilling life on your own isn’t always an easy endeavor.
Don’t listen to those who think you should settle for a mate you’re not sure you love just so you won’t be living alone.
The Benefits of Women Living Alone
- Freedom & Independence: You make your own rules and create a lifestyle that reflects you.
- Personal Growth: Living alone encourages confidence, self-sufficiency, and problem-solving skills.
- Peace & Privacy: You can enjoy quiet mornings, self-care rituals, and a calm space to recharge without interruptions.
- Empowered Lifestyle: Many women discover a deeper sense of empowerment when they learn to manage their space and their lives independently.

Tips for Women Living Alone
- Budget Wisely: Living alone means handling all the expenses yourself, so track bills and set up an emergency fund.
- Create a Cozy Space: Fill your home with personal touches like plants, candles, and décor that make you feel comfortable.
- Learn Basic Home Skills: Knowing how to unclog a drain, change lightbulbs, or reset a breaker box builds confidence.
- Stay Connected: Maintain friendships and family relations.
- Practice Self-Care: From cooking healthy meals for one to enjoying solo hobbies, make time to nurture your well-being.
Safety Tips for Women Living Alone
Prioritize Safety:
- Change the locks immediately after moving into a new place so previous tenants or landlords do not have active keys.
- Consider a security system or smart doorbell.
- Share your whereabouts with a trusted friend when you go out, and keep emergency contacts handy.
- Close your blinds and curtains before it gets dark outside to keep your private space hidden.
- Trust your gut if a situation or a person feels wrong, and remove yourself immediately.
Why Living Alone is Empowering
Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. It means taking ownership of your life. Many women living alone find strength, resilience, and joy in building a home that reflects their independence.
Living alone can be an opportunity to grow, heal, and discover who you truly are.
I wouldn’t give up this way of life for anything; I wish I’d realized sooner that marriage wasn’t for me.
Being single and living alone (with my kitties) is truly the happiest chapter of my life.


You have Asperger's? Was that a serious comment?
I too have Asperger's, and it has crippled my ability to have relationships.
Have you written about this anywhere on your blog, or elsewhere?
Yes, I have Aspergers. And I have written about it on this blog. Look under my labels.
Brenda, this list is perfect! 🙂 I've lived alone longer than being married and I treasure my privacy. I've always had the need for alone time and when my kids were little and I was sleep deprived, I stayed up at night after everyone was asleep for the blessed quiet. I loved being married when it was good, however, I don't think I could live with someone again. I pray that I have my independence and dignity until the very end.
A friend of mine lost her husband of 30 years about 3 yrs ago and she was devastated. You know, they both had their own home, just a few blocks from each other. 🙂 She always said that was the secret to a long and happy marriage. He liked the Frank Lloyd Wright style and she just couldn't live in it. She had a little antique cottage and absolutely loved it! They had dinner every night except when he was out of town and weekends together. You know, whatever floats your boat!
Thanks so much for sharing your list ~ it's so "me" !
xo
Pat
I think having separate residences makes a lot of sense!