Pros and cons of living alone
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Life is full of big decisions and you have just taken of the biggest. You are moving! And you did not play it small, you choose New York City, where magic happens. Living in Manhattan is going to be such a thrill and an adventure, but are you willing to share that with someone else? Or, possibly even scarier, are you ready to do it all alone? Regardless of whether you are moving out from your family home for the first time, or this incredible island is just another destination for you, the question remains. Flying solo? Dynamic duo? Every person is different, but we have compiled a list of pros and cons that can help you choose whether you should be living alone.
Pro: Your own space
Even you are an extremely social person, you will still need to vent from time to time and have the place to yourself. But, if you are living with someone, that will be hard to plan. This also goes for visits from family, friends and boyfriends. Everything needs to be told in advance and agreed on both sides. We suggest that you opt for living alone if this isn’t your first rodeo and you are already getting tired of compromising and sacrificing your needs.
Con: Loneliness
Although personal space is a great thing sometimes it can get lonely. People sometimes get so frustrated with their roommates that they believe they would be better off alone. But when they start living by themselves they realize that it’s very hard to pick yourself up after a long day when there is no one waiting for you at home. We suggest that you choose living with roommates if this is the first time that you left home and you are still uncertain and insecure. The support you will receive at home can be crucial during the transition period.
Pro: Everything the light touches is your kingdom
If you are living alone, you are the boss and you set the rules. Cleaning the house, having visits, paying the bill, throwing a party… You don’t need to ask for anybody’s permission and you can set your schedule based on your needs and your needs only. That is a privilege very few people have.
Con: Trying out new things
People often get stuck in routines, do the same things, pick the same places. Living with a roommate eliminates that, because you constantly have next to you someone that will contribute with their own taste, ideas and experience. This usually means that you will, just for the sake of it, try out new things, the ones you normally wouldn’t. That doesn’t go only for spiced chicken wings but also for new music, books and lifestyle in general
Pro: Drama free
Sometimes, living with other people just means a whole lot of drama. In that case, advantages of living alone are much bigger. Arguments over doing chores, joint responsibilities, money and the remote can be way too much for some people. That’s why, if you don’t consider yourself a very patient, flexible person, you should get an apartment for yourself and avoid any unnecessary complications. Sometimes, it’s just easier to pay a little extra than to have to go through a fight daily.
Con: The expenses & the responsibilities
Sharing is caring and not all roommates are hard to deal with. Some of them will not only relieve you of having to pay for everything yourself, but also of having to do everything alone. Living by yourself can carry a lot of responsibilities, and sometimes it’s easier to carry the burden. This should depend on your type of personality, as well as your previous experience. If you had a lot of negative experience in this department you should probably choose to sit this one out and get a place only for yourself. But if you know that you have no problem getting along with other people, then sharing this big step in life in someone will probably benefit you a lot.
Pro: Destroying friendships
Living with someone you know can be the best thing ever, but it’s a risk a lot of people aren’t willing to take. The say you never really know a person until you have lived with them. Your best friend for many years can turn out to be very cheap, sloppy or irresponsible. Her or his partner, you once considered goofy and fun can start throwing parties in your apartment, eating your food and never paying for anything. There is a huge risk to be taken, and often, friendships are broken instead of deepened.
Con: Best experience ever
If you opt to live with someone close to you (best friend, sibling or cousin) you might be in store for the best experience of your lifetime. If you know that person and trust them, if they are responsible and fair, you will always have someone to turn to, to give you support and to do fun things together. After living with parents, and before moving in with a partner, spending some time living with a close friend can turn out to be a very beneficial experience.
Pro & Con: I am living with my partner
Choosing to live with your significant other is a very big step in your life, but sometimes it is a necessary step in you want to take your relationship further. The problem is that it can take you both ways. Usually deciding this means giving up on the mystery and relieving all your secrets and sometimes nasty habits. It can also mean that you will get a chance to finally spend a lot of time together, which means really getting to know each other. Well, as we said… It can really go both ways.
This big decision you are about to take depends entirely up to you, your personal style, preferences, and money you have saved up. Sometimes you don’t have a lot of choice. But, regardless what you choose, make sure that you have given it enough thought, follow your gut, and when in doubt, check out our list!
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