People Who Live Alone Share 30 Underrated Advantages Of Doing So

Bored Panda spoke with Susan Petang, a certified divorce coach and the creator of “The Quiet Zone Coaching,” who teaches women how to stop feeling overwhelmed and start waking up happy in the morning again. Susan was happy to share some insights on the often overlooked perks of living alone and how we can all make the most of it.

“Sometimes it's really nice to be alone! You don't have to think about the needs of anyone else. You can go to bed whenever you want, and get up when you have to, without accommodating someone else's schedule,” Susan said.

She continued: “Don't want to eat healthy tonight? No problem! Want to have dinner at 11PM? No worries, there's no one else to answer to. You can eat what you like without having to worry about someone else's preferences. You can watch as much TV or play as many video games as you want. If you want to work until 3AM, you can—you don't have to worry about disturbing anyone else. Vacations can be wherever YOU want to go, doing what you want to do.”

In fact, Susan describes living alone as “the ultimate in self-care.” She added that “you can plant whatever you want in the garden, take as many candle-lit baths as you want, and read whenever you want without worrying about the needs of someone else.”On the other hand, living alone has some practical downsides. “There is nobody to share the chores with. You and you alone are responsible for taking out the trash, cleaning the cat's litter pan, and walking the dog. If you get sick, there is nobody to help, no one to make you chicken soup.”

Moreover, you're responsible for paying all the bills, argues Susan. “It's always easier with two incomes, and if you lose your job, it can be pretty scary. When you get home from work, there's nobody to share your day with, laugh with, and play with. Sure, you can take a friend on vacation with you, but it's just not the same.” The life coach added that one of the biggest joys in life is doing things for others. “When you live with someone else, you can experience that joy every single day!”

It's no wonder that living alone may get pretty lonely. Susan said that the best way to avoid loneliness is the MGP Method: Mindful, Grateful, Positive. She explained: “Mindful: Instead of regretting the past, or pinning your happiness on some future event (that may or may not happen!), focus on where you are in life right now. We spend 100% of our lives in 'now'! It's OK to reminisce about the past and make plans for the future, but enjoy those when it's appropriate to do them. Focus on what you're doing, sensing, feeling, and observing in this moment. Experience this moment. Be curious about it. Immerse yourself in it—whether or not the moment is good, bad, or indifferent.”

“Grateful: If we're staying focused on this moment, right now, then it just makes sense to make it the best it can be, right? So, what's good about it? What can you be grateful for—no matter how small? Find wonder and awe for trees, rain, snow, and sunshine you see from your window; be amazed by the technology that makes our lives easier, like cell phones, TVs, and computers. Be grateful for the tiniest of 'wins' in your life, like when you remember to take out the trash, have enough money to pay the electric bill, or have enough food for dinner. Make your mantra, 'Something good about right now is...'”

“Positive: Instead of thinking, 'This stinks!' or, 'I really hate being alone,' or 'I'll never find someone to share my time with,' change the Negative Nancy talk in your head into something positive. Instead, think, 'I can watch anything I want on TV,' 'I love being able to eat whenever I want,' and 'Maybe I'll have someone in my life someday, but for now I'm going to enjoy my freedom!'”

Susan explained that it's not being alone that makes you lonely; it's what you tell yourself about it, how you perceive it, that makes you feel bad. “So, who wants to feel bad? Choose to change the way you view being alone. Focus on the benefits and the good parts. Focus on solving the problems that arise from being solo, instead of complaining about them.

Mindfulness + Gratitude + Positivity = Happiness,” the life coach concluded.