Is Living Alone Better or Living with Company?

The decision between living alone or with company largely depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider for each option:

Living Alone

Pros:

Independence: You have complete control over your space, routines, and lifestyle choices. Peace and Quiet: Enjoy solitude and the ability to create a peaceful environment without distractions. Self-Discovery: Living alone can promote personal growth and self-reliance. Flexibility: You can make decisions about your living space without needing to compromise with others.

Cons:

Loneliness: Some people may feel isolated or lonely without regular interaction. Responsibility: All household responsibilities fall on you, which can be overwhelming. Cost: Living alone can be more expensive as you bear all the rent and bills.

Living with Company

Pros:

Social Interaction: Regular companionship can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide emotional support. Shared Responsibilities: Household chores and expenses can be divided, making it easier to manage. Collaboration: Living with others can foster teamwork and provide opportunities for shared activities and experiences.

Cons:

Lack of Privacy: You may have less control over your personal space and routines. Conflict Potential: Differences in lifestyle or habits can lead to disagreements or tension. Compromise: You may need to adjust your preferences to accommodate others.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personality, lifestyle, and what you value most in your living situation. Some people thrive in solitude, while others flourish in social environments. It's important to consider your own needs and circumstances when making this decision.

Personal Experience

I was super lucky and had wonderful housemates all through college and my first years as an entrepreneur when I had no money. We're all still friends to this day. I couldn't afford to live on my own until I was in my early 30s, and of course, there were lots of relationships where we lived together. Then I'd be on my own for a while, then back with someone, etc. It’s not an uncommon story, especially for someone working the crazy schedule I had for decades.

It wasn't until my mid-50s that I realized just how much I loved living alone, and I've not lived with anyone since. I've had people stay with me for extended periods, but I genuinely love my alone time so I can focus on work I love. I now live in a much bigger house than I ever could have imagined at this stage of my life. It's out in the woods, hidden from the street, and completely private. I fell in love with it because it was unusual and whimsical. It's been wonderful for visitors.

By the way, I delete and often block virtue signalers who give me a hard time about my house as if I shouldn't live here. I can't begin to describe what daily life is like here. I work as a consultant and do it from home, so I have a great setup with the right camera lighting and a teleprompter, so my Zoom calls look like I'm there. I still visit clients, but I'm mostly home. It's just a great retreat overall, and I can't think of a better environment in which to do my best work.

This morning, I was up and out in the woods watching the water rush off the hillside after a big overnight storm. It's peaceful here, and I'm never lonely. This is the gathering point for friends, and they love to come and hang out. Yet when I feel like writing as I am at this moment, I'm listening to the approaching thunderstorm, and it's otherwise dead silent. I see a deer off to my right who doesn't seem to pay much attention to storms or me. This was never the goal—Id always assumed I'd be married with kids, but fate didn't take me there.

I see life very differently; I make the best of all situations, and I've always been self-reliant, so living alone was never terrifying and above all, it was never ever lonely. Not for one second. I love writing, and out here, nine miles from the closest town, I can think about my writing and work to improve my work. Companies that hire me love that I'm able to do so much out here, so they too are happy.

I'm sure there are lots of benefits in living with others. That could just as easily have been my life's direction. Some can't stand to be alone, and for me, it's worked out better than expected.

Note

The topics of aloneness seem to bring out the worst in humans for some reason. I've been writing on Quora for years around other topics, but this one above all others seems to draw some really vile people, so I don't put up with the snide comments. You will get deleted and blocked. There are people who genuinely take an interest in this topic, so leave them alone.