One of the biggest decisions in life is moving out of our parents' house. Many people move into dorms or shared housing, but if the means are available and you wish to live alone do not let your fears hold you back. Many people will advise you not to live alone especially if you are a woman, unfortunately. Yes, living alone is dangerous, but everything has it's risks and living in fear is simply not living. At the age of seventeen I moved into my first apartment. I was excited, yet nervous. I am now 3 years into living alone and this is what I learned from living alone.

Pros

No Roommate Stress

We all know how difficult it can be living with people other than family members. The conflicts and awkwardness behind "Money Talk" this will all be on you. What I can say, even though I did not roommate, do not move in with your best friend. The worst roommate stories I came across were from "best friends."

It's Not As Scary As It Sounds.

My biggest fear came from being a woman and alone. Yes, this is scary and probably not the best for a seventeen year old, but let me tell you that if you have it in you to conquer your fears anything is possible.

No Clothes!

Yes, that idea behind " I get to walk around naked", and never close the bathroom door is real. I cannot tell you the freedom that comes with not having roommates.

Who Left The Dish…?

That was probably, more than likely--yes that was you. You don't have to worry about cleaning other people's mess.

Cons

Work On Top Of More Work!

Having no roommates means you don't have to share, yay! You also don't share expenses, therefore you are on your own for this one! "Adulting" enjoy.

Grocery Shopping

This is something that you must learn to do on your own with no company. I would hear of people saying that they would go grocery shopping with their "roomies", on the other hand you won't worry about people eating your food.

Eating

Eating is typically seen as a social experience, but this can be remedied once you see that eating is a need rather than a want. Cooking on your own can serve as personal time. Treating yourself by setting the table, including flowers, and wine makes personal time great!

Lonely?

This is one of the questions that I get asked the most. You will be too busy to feel alone and if you find yourself at home often then perhaps a pet will fill that spot. I personally do not find myself having time for a pet, but if you do then do not worry because a pet is great company.

Overall the attitude that you choose to have will follow your actions. Living alone is not for everyone and if you find yourself moving back with your family or seeking roommates it is not a failure. Lastly, you will probably never see your neighbors there are times when I wonder how they entered their apartments, Windows? Magic?