If your single and living alone then you probably have just got through the most difficult week . The week of romance, tables for two, bouquets of red roses filling all the shop aisles while you are trying to get your microwave meal for one. Valentines week it seems that everyone in the world is loved up !!!! Grrrrrr hallo ….. annoying. Well I for one don ‘t mind missing out on this displays of enforced pledges of love and devotion. I choose to be single certainly for the last 20 years and like giving up alcohol or sugar once you have done it you will never look back. Now a rapidly growing trend among all age groups preferring to live alone . So let me try to convince you or at least make it more bearable if you are still on the search for that special someone.
There maybe many reasons why at 50+ you find yourself living alone. If it was not your choice it can be daunting and you can feel lonely. Being alone and being lonely are two very different things.
Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the divorce rate is increasing for the over 50s to an all time high. Or the death of a beloved partner can have a devastating affect on you . Or it maybe you never met a partner you would want to live with.
After a stressful divorce, lets face it , its ALWAYS stressful , over 20 years ago I made a conscious decision to remain independant and in control of my life and keep the sanctity of my home, alone. I have stuck to that decision and never once regretted this. I would not have had such an amazing adventurous life full of interesting people yet keeping my home as a peaceful sanctuary. As a single mother I of course had my Son to devote my undivided attention to in the home. Of course I did date and enjoy the company of men I just never saw the need to live with one. There was more to lose than to gain. Certainly more washing , cooking and ironing !! Lol ! Now my Son is a beautiful young man and is no longer at home I still relish being able to experience peace and freedom WHEN I CHOOSE. One of the most elusive achievements in busy lives today is to be able to find peace and harmony and live a healthy rewarding life. This is always possible when you live alone. Living alone also makes you a stronger person, it begins and ends with you. Decision making, emotional stability a wider social circle , financial responsibility can all grow your confidence. You are not a half you are a whole …..the driver of your own destiny.
I realise there are many couples who have an enjoyable fulfilling life. It is whatever works for you as an individual but if for any reason you are reading this and you suddenly find yourself alone later in life, embrace it. My social circle largely consist of both men and women choose to live alone and like me they are honestly the happiest people I know. Gone is the myth of the sad singleton. Most people later in life who have tried living alone for a few years find that they too admit they would find it hard to live with someone again. So, if you find yourself sitting at home reading this as your newly single let’s cheer you up with some light hearted reasons to LOVE LIVING ALONE !
- In charge of all your finances no need to hide those new Manolos
- The TV remote is ALL yours
- Sleep well. No snoring, fidgeting, stealing the bed linen.
- No pressure to perform….or sulking if you don’t !!!
- Less time spent queueing up for a weekly shop in supermarkets
- Less time wasted on chores
- Great girls nights out without worrying about waking someone up when you get in.
- Accept whatever exciting invitations come your way
- You don’t have to share the tub of Haagen Dazs.
- Studies have shown single people are fitter and happier.
- Less lonely in your old age as you have been used to living alone and have developed a social circle.
- Pamper nights in without feeling guilty
- No compromises
- You get the last rolo !!
I could list a hundred other reasons !!!!
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: LIVING ALONE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE BUT IF YOU FIND YOURSELF SINGLE IN YOUR FIFTIES THERE ARE LOADS OF POSITIVES I PROMISE YOU . YOU WILL LOVE IT. LIVE BY YOUR OWN RULES. CREATE YOUR OWN BLUEPRINT.
JOJO XXXXXXX