Everyone wants freedom when they live under someone else’s roof, but everyone regrets their want after they are on their own. As you’re a kid living with a parent or guardian you hate the rules that include: chores, curfew, bedtimes, dinner together, lack of parking space, sharing a laundry room, etc. The phrase “I can’t wait to move out” crosses your mind numerous times. A person really begins to realize all that they had taken for granted whenever they leave home.

Whether it be off to college in a dorm, a new apartment, or even a house, you will not realize how much responsibility it takes to live on your own. You move in and the place is so clean and organized as you put everything up, little do you know it will only stay that way for a short amount of time. Groceries begin to pile into the fridge, just to go bad considering you don’t even really know how to cook. Home cooked meals don’t seem as good as they used to. Is it true, do you actually have to clean the kitchen after you cook? Yes, its true. There are many things that come with living on your own and these are just a few.

Living on your own means bills have to be paid on time and people do not take ‘no’ for an answer. Lights have to be turned off or you will spend a pretty penny on an electric bill. Toilet paper has to be purchased because you will run out and you will regret it. Purchasing a vacuum instead of the new blouse you’ve been eye-balling is a must. Priorities begin to change and so does your actions. Being independent brings you responsibility, maturity and even teaches you how to take care of yourself. Of course, mom and dad will always be a phone call away, but there will come a time where you have to do things on your own. It’s normal to burn food, use paper plates as fine china, and if you’re unlucky enough you really will wash reds with whites.

Living on your own is a learning process. Things will go wrong, but don’t give up. Always remember to take the trash out and don’t leave clothes in the washer for too long. There is a lot that comes with living on your own, but it gets easier with time.