When I was in my early teens, my grandmother had given me one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received. ‘Learn to be self-sufficient’, she said. I have been living on my own for a little over two years and can say with certainty that it has changed me for the better. I have overcome challenges that I would previously have thought impossible.
Here’s why I think everyone must learn to live on their own:
1. You realise that food does not ‘magically appear’ on the table. In order to sustain yourself, you have to budget, buy food and cook it. Not to mention clean up after.
2. You get to know yourself better. Being an introvert, I thought living on my own would be a cakewalk. But I realised that I like having activity around me. I am no recluse and although I like being by myself, I do crave human company.
3. You learn to value relationships. When you don’t have people at your beck and call, you realise how important they are to you and that makes the time spent with them all the more precious.
4. You learn to strike a balance between your emotional and rational sides. You realise that things are never as good or bad as they seem.
5. You can do whatever you want… but you have to face the consequences. Have all the crazy parties you want, but give yourself enough time to get back on track.
6. You learn to manage finances. You know how much money you make and you know how much you want to save. Can you desist from buying that gorgeous dress you can’t afford right now? Next month’s bills ain’t going to pay themselves, you know!
7. You learn to be comfortable in your own space. Silence no longer scares you. You are your own companion, entertainer, agony aunt… The list goes on.
8. You realise who is important to you. Separating fake friends from the real ones becomes easier as you will need your friends’ help more often when you live alone.
9. You can be yourself without any fear of judgement. (Naked Tuesdays anyone?) You can lounge around on the couch eating junk all day. You can dance like nobody’s watching!
The list is endless and I believe that everyone will gain different positives by living on their own. It might sound scary, but have faith in yourself and take the plunge! You will be surprised!
