One of the best-kept secrets about living alone? You get to be fully, unapologetically yourself. No filtering, no compromising, no wondering if your habits are “normal” or “acceptable.” When you live alone, the only person who has to be okay with how you exist in your space is you.
That means you can embrace your weirdness, your quirks, and the random habits that make you, well… you. And honestly? That’s one of the greatest perks of solo living.
When you share a space with others, you have to be reasonable. You have to consider their preferences, be mindful of what’s “appropriate,” and generally keep the peace. But when you live alone, your home is your kingdom, and you make the rules. Want to eat peanut butter straight from the jar? Go for it. Rearrange your furniture at 2 AM just because you feel like it? No one’s stopping you. Sing at full volume in the shower—or out of it? It’s your concert, and the audience is always approving.
Living alone also means you don’t have to justify your bizarre daily routines to anyone. We all have weird habits—things we do when no one’s watching—but the difference is, when you live alone, no one is watching. You don’t have to explain why you eat meals on the floor instead of at the table, why you talk to yourself while doing chores, or why you always enter your home with a dramatic flourish. Your time is yours, and you can shape it however you want.
Another major perk? Your home reflects you, and only you. If you’ve ever lived with roommates, family, or a partner, you know how much compromise goes into decorating and organising a shared space. But when you live solo, you don’t have to think about whether your love for sci-fi posters clashes with someone else’s “modern minimalist” aesthetic. Your home can be filled with bookshelves instead of a TV, mismatched mugs instead of uniform dish sets, or an oversized bean bag instead of a formal sofa. You don’t have to make your space “guest-friendly” or align it with what someone else thinks looks good—it only has to make you happy.
Living alone also gives you room to experiment, whether that’s in fashion, cooking, or new hobbies. Want to wear a cape around the house just for fun? Go ahead. Feel like straight up Winnie-the-Poohing it around the house, with just a shirt on, and easy breezy down below? All good, my friend. Always wanted to try making homemade sushi but worried it might turn into a disaster? If it flops, there’s no audience for the failure—just you and your next attempt (and an unartistic mess of tasty ingredients that you can still eat and enjoy). Your living room can transform into an art studio, a music space, or whatever creative chaos you feel like embracing.
If you want to display your glass eye collection in your terrariums? You do you!
One of the best, most underrated perks of living alone? No social obligations—unless you actually want them. There’s no pressure to engage in morning small talk before you’ve had coffee, no forced interactions when you just want quiet, and no one questioning your decision to spend an entire weekend completely alone. If you don’t feel like talking, you don’t have to. If you want to cancel plans last minute—who’s going to stop you? Silence can be golden, and the ability to control when and how you interact with the world is a level of freedom few people get to experience.
Ultimately, one of the greatest joys of living alone is the ability to be completely, unapologetically yourself. No censoring, no justifying, no worrying about whether your habits are “acceptable.” The things that might seem weird to others? They make your home feel like yours.
So go ahead—talk to your plants, eat ice cream straight from the tub, and dance around your living room like no one’s watching. Because no one is watching.
Solo living is often framed as a phase—something temporary, something you pass through on your way to a “real” life with a partner. But what if that’s not true? What if thriving solo is just as valid, just as fulfilling, as any other way of living? What if, for you, it’s even better?
This isn’t about saying solo life is superior—it’s about recognizing that it might be better for you. It might be better for you forever, or just for now. Either way, the important thing is making the most of it, rather than treating it as a holding pattern while you wait for something else.
The Myth of Solo Life as a Transition Phase
From childhood, we’re conditioned to see relationships as milestones—the next step in a progression that starts with school, leads to work, and culminates in pairing up with someone. Living alone, especially for an extended period, is often seen as a gap in that journey, an incomplete chapter. People will tell you, “You’ll find someone eventually,” as if that’s the only logical conclusion to your story.
But what if it’s not? What if solo living isn’t a phase, but a destination?
While you ponder that for a moment, remember this too: A destination doesn’t have to be permanent.
Even if you do eventually choose to be in a relationship, seeing solo living as just a waiting room stops you from fully embracing its benefits. You miss the chance to build a life that’s wholly your own, free from compromise, free from expectations, and rich with self-determined purpose.
You Are Not Half of a Whole
There’s a long-standing cultural myth that people are “halves” looking for completion in someone else. This idea is everywhere—from fairytales to rom-coms—but it’s flawed. You are already whole.
A relationship might enhance your life, but it shouldn’t be the thing that defines its meaning. The moment you start living like you’re waiting for someone to come along and “complete” you, you put yourself on pause. You stop building, stop growing, stop fully inhabiting your own life.
Instead of waiting, why not thrive? Instead of seeing this time as a gap, why not see it as an opportunity?
The Real Measure of Success in Solo Living
If thriving solo isn’t just a phase, how do you measure success? Not by whether you eventually couple up, but by whether your life feels fulfilling and satisfying right now. Success in solo living looks like:
Feeling content and at home in your own space.
Having routines and habits that support your wellbeing.
Enjoying your own company without feeling like something is missing.
Pursuing hobbies, passions, and interests on your own terms.
Building a life that’s not defined by the absence of a relationship, but by the presence of things that make you happy.
Solo Might Be Better for You—At Least Right Now
Maybe solo life is right for you forever. Maybe it’s just right for you right now. Either way, why not make the most of it?
Instead of treating solo living as a waiting room, see it as an open space where you can explore, learn, and grow without constraints. What do you want from your life, on your own terms? That’s the real question—not whether or not you’ll find someone someday.
Solo isn’t a pause. It’s a path. And it might just be exactly the right one for you.
… or why not every connection has to be your new BFF.
We grow up with the idea that we should all have a “best friend forever”—one person who knows everything about us, shares every interest, and is always there, no matter what. It’s a comforting idea, but in reality, most friendships don’t work like that. More often than not, the strongest and most enduring connections are activity-specific relationships—friendships that are deeply meaningful, but centred around a particular shared experience rather than an all-encompassing bond.
The Myth of the All-Purpose Best Friend
The idea of a single, catch-all best friend is ingrained in us from childhood. We see it in books, movies, and TV shows—two inseparable people who share every aspect of their lives. But real friendships, just like real people, are far more complex.
The truth is, it’s rare to find someone who aligns with you across every aspect of life. More often, we connect with different people in different ways. The friend you go hiking with might not be the same one you’d talk to about personal struggles. The person who shares your love of old movies might not care at all about your latest work project. And that’s okay.
Why Activity-Specific Relationships Matter
Rather than seeing friendships as “all or nothing,” it can be freeing to embrace relationships for what they actually are: meaningful within their specific context. Activity-specific relationships thrive because they remove the pressure of needing to be everything for each other. Instead, they let people connect in ways that are natural and effortless.
Some of the strongest bonds people form are through shared activities. A running partner, a gaming friend, a book club companion, a gym buddy—these are all relationships built on something tangible and real. And in many ways, they can be even more valuable than an undefined, all-purpose friendship.
I’ve had great friends that I trained martial arts with. Others that I’ve gamed with. I’ve made friends at work, at the gym, at photo sessions and simply because we both ended up at the same cafe at the same time a lot.
None of them were BFF’s, but they were all meaningful connections. All of them had value to me, added something to my life, and none of them were permanent.
That’s OK. There’s a strength in that.
The Strength in Defined Connections
A friendship that exists within a defined activity can often feel more stable. There’s a built-in rhythm, a natural way to interact, and no pressure to make it anything other than what it is. These relationships allow for depth and connection without the weight of expectation—no need to be each other’s emotional crutch, no pressure to force a deeper connection outside of the shared space.
Activity-based friendships can also be longer lastingthan general-purpose friendships. When a friendship is built around “everything,” it can be more prone to fizzling out when life circumstances change. But when it’s built around something specific—weekly game nights, weekend cycling trips, an online writing group—it has a strong foundation to keep it going, even if other aspects of life shift.
Letting Go of the Need for One “Perfect” Friend
There’s something liberating about allowing friendships to be what they naturally are. Rather than searching for a single person to fulfill every social need, embracing a variety of connections based on shared interests and activities can lead to a richer, more fulfilling social life.
Instead of asking, “Who is my best friend?” the better question might be: “Who do I connect with in ways that matter?”
Maybe your deep, meaningful conversations happen with a friend from your book club. Maybe your sense of adventure is shared with a travel buddy. Maybe your competitive side comes alive with your gaming group. None of these friendships are lesser for being activity-specific. If anything, they may be more meaningful because they allow each person to be fully themselves in that space, without needing to be everything to each other.
Final Thought: A New Definition of Meaningful Friendships
Friendship isn’t about finding one person to be your everything—it’s about forming connections that matter, in ways that work for you. Activity-specific relationships offer a different kind of depth, one that doesn’t demand all-encompassing closeness but thrives on shared passion and consistency.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s more sustainable—and even more rewarding—than trying to find a single “best friend forever.”
…or, ‘Why you deserve more than a mattress and a TV.”
For too long, the idea of a “bachelor pad” has been synonymous with the bare minimum—an apartment with a mattress on the floor, a big TV, and maybe a gaming console. Add a fridge for the inevitable beer, a few empty takeout boxes, and you’re living the cliche baby!
It’s the default image of solo living for men, reinforced by movies, TV shows, and that one friend who insists, “What more do you need?”
The truth? You deserve more.
I’ll be honest here – this post is probably quite male-centric. Guys are more likely to live with the bare minimum here, more likely to be almost proud of how little they ‘need’.
Women are smarter than men, we all know this.
Women know that your home should be more than just a place to crash at night. It should be a space that supports your life, reflects your personality, and makes you feel at ease. Living alone isn’t about surviving with the basics—it’s about thriving in an environment you create for yourself.
Your home should be your sanctuary, the space you look forward to returning to (or even staying in!). You should feel at home in your home.
More than just survival
Living alone is about more than surviving. This site is called Thriving Solo for a reason.
Living alone opens a world of opportunities for you to craft the home space that suits your life.
When I first moved into my current apartment, I was living properly alone for the first time in literally decades.
I had furniture, so I wasn’t starting with the classic mattress on the floor. I had a head start there.
Still, I made a number of mistakes. Nothing that I couldn’t fix of course, but a few things that took me way too long to realise.
I’m lucky – my apartment is quite spacious. I have a large (for one person) living area, open plan with kitchen and dining downstairs, and upstairs is the bedroom, bathroom, and this sort of awkward space tucked in next to the stairway.
This last, this is where I put my “office”.
It stayed there for a year.
Meanwhile, the big, spacious living area (which is where both the heating and cooling were) stayed empty most evenings, while I sat at my desk, writing or gaming.
Weekends, they were much the same. I’d sit at my desk, often too cold, bundled up in too many layers to be wearing inside.
It took me way too long to realise just how dumb that was.
So, one weekend, I disassembled my desk, and moved it downstairs. Where it was warm. Or where, in summer, I could throw open the doors and let the warm summer air in. I was near the kitchen (which did wonders for my hydration), I had my good stereo set up down there, my vinyl collection, all that good stuff.
Added bonus, I was now close enough to run an ethernet cable to my gaming computer. Great for my ping times!
It also gave me more space, so I added a second larger desk – sit-stand, and could now fit a larger screen. I transitioned to a work-from-home role, and my living room became my full-time home-office.
And why not? I rarely have people over, and I have more than enough room downstairs. If I want to spend most of my time in a large, airy space, with temperature control and easy access to the fridge, why shouldn’t I?
Now, in the space upstairs where my desk used to be… it’s back. It’s my dedicated writing space, set up with a single screen, while my downstairs is for working and gaming. I find the separation useful for focus.
When you don’t have to consider another person, you can arrange your living space to suit yourself. Maybe you want your bed in what the house-plan calls your living room, your bedroom gets turned into a media space.
Your space. Make it your own!
Why Your Space Matters
Whether you’re aware of it or not, your environment affects everything—your mood, your productivity, even your self-esteem. A cluttered, impersonal space doesn’t just look bad; it can make you feel unmotivated, disconnected, and stuck in “temporary” mode.
When your home is well put together, you walk in the door and feel good about where you are. You have a space where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy your own company—without feeling like you’re living in a half-finished college dorm.
The Problem With The “I Don’t Care” Mentality
A lot of people (men are the worst at this) dismiss home decor as something frivolous or unnecessary. Maybe you’ve thought:
“It’s just me living here. Who am I decorating for?”
“I’m not an interior designer. I don’t know what looks good.”
“I’ll fix it up when I move somewhere more permanent.”
But here’s the thing—this isn’t about impressing guests, and it’s definitely not about following design trends. It’s about creating a space that actually works for you. The sooner you take ownership of your space, the more comfortable and settled you’ll feel in your own life.
But it’s more than that. It’s more than just comfortable and settled. It’s contentedness, it’s not just being comfortable, it’s being comforted by the space you’ve created.
What Makes a Home, Not Just a Crash Pad?
This isn’t about having the sort of ‘home’ you’ll see on Instagram. The goal isn’t some arbitrary ‘perfection’—it’s functionality, comfort, and personality. Here’s how to upgrade your space without overcomplicating it:
Get Your Bed Off the Floor
Sleeping on a mattress on the floor might have been fine in your early twenties, but a proper bed frame isn’t just about aesthetics—it makes sleeping more comfortable, protects your mattress, and signals that your space is put together. You don’t need an expensive setup—just something sturdy that gets your bed off the ground.
Especially if you’re not as young as you once were (and who is?), elevating your bed makes it easier to get in and out of, less of a chore. Speaking of chores, it’s easier to make your bed or change the bedding too, which means you’re more likely to do it more often.
Oh, and while you’re at the bed-frame store, why not treat yourself to some new sheets for that soon to be elevated bed?
Upgrade Your Seating
A single couch, or even a quality armchair can make all the difference in how your home feels. It gives you a dedicated place to unwind beyond your bed. A dining chair at a desk isn’t the same as a comfortable seat where you can read, game, or just relax.
Lighting Makes or Breaks a Space
Overhead lights are harsh and uninviting. If your apartment feels sterile, adding lamps with warm bulbs instantly makes it feel more comfortable. Smart bulbs allow you to adjust brightness and colour to fit your mood.
You can also do fun things with quirky lamps – my current favourite is a raven that holds the cord with the bulb hanging at the end of it.
(My raven’s name is Matthew).
Storage = A Cleaner, More Functional Space
Floating shelves, a bookcase, or even a simple storage bench can keep your space organised and help you avoid the “random piles of stuff” look. Having a designated place for your essentials reduces clutter and makes your home more functional.
Me, I’m a reader, so good bookshelves were one of my first purchases.
It’s important not to rush this! Look for options that suit you, don’t just buy the first white-veneered Ikea-clone shelf that you see. Find something you actually like the look of, something with colours that will start to shape the space in a direction that suits you.
For me, that means black metal and dark wood. That’s my taste though.
What’s yours?
Add Something That Reflects YOU
Your home should have elements that make it feel personal. A framed poster of your favourite movie, a record player, books, a cool clock—whatever makes your space feel like it belongs to you. If everything you own is generic, your space won’t feel like yours.
I have an antique china cabinet (OK, for me it’s mostly a drinks cabinet), and that’s part of my personal history there. This has a prime place in my main living area, it’s where my stereo lives, and it’s a home for my favourite tipples. With glass doors, this puts my scotch and bourbon on display, reminds me that they’re there. This isn’t a bad thing.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve a Space That Works for You
Your home isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s where you start and end every day. Investing even a little time and effort into making it more comfortable, functional, and personal will improve your quality of lifein ways you won’t even realize until you do it.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple challenge:
Pick one thing from this list and upgrade it within the next week. Get your bed off the floor. Add a lamp. Clear some clutter. One small change can shift how you feel in your space.
This isn’t about having the “perfect” home—it’s about taking ownership of your space and making it yours. You deserve that.
For a long time, I thought of solo living as something you just end up doing. A temporary state. A phase. Something you don’t really choose, but just find yourself in.
Turns out, that was completely wrong.
Living alone isn’t a waiting room for “real life.” It is real life. And, if you do it right, it can be one of the most rewarding, freeing, and downright enjoyable ways to live.
But here’s the thing—most of the advice about living alone falls into two categories: overly practical (budgeting, cleaning, meal prep) or overly existential (embracing solitude, finding yourself, etc.). What I wanted was something in between. Real, useful, sometimes funny, and always geared toward making solo life better.
That’s why I started ThrivingSolo.
Who Am I?
I’m Ozzy—a writer with a mundane dayjob, and I’m someone who knows what it’s like to build a solo life from the ground up. I’ve had roommates/flatmates, I’ve been married and I’ve lived alone. Throughout my various living arrangements, the times when I’ve been the most at peace, the most content, are the times when it’s been just me.
In those times I learned a lot about what it takes to make solo living work—not just in terms of the practical boring stuff, but how to make your living situations truly your own.
I know what it’s like to look around your apartment and realise that every mess is your mess (and that there’s no one else to clean it up). I know the struggle of cooking for one without ending up with a week of leftovers you don’t want. I know how easy it is to let the days blur together when no one else is shaping your schedule. And I also know how amazing it is to have full control over your space, your time, and your priorities.
What You’ll Find Here
This site isn’t about simply getting by on your own. It’s about living well, finding routines that work for you, and creating a home you actually enjoy being in. It’s for people who want to make solo life less of a survival game and more of an art form.
You’ll find posts on:
Home & Space – How to make your home feel like yours, even if it’s a rental.
Solo Routines – Morning and evening habits that actually stick.
Food & Cooking – How to cook for one without wasting food or effort.
Mindset & Independence – Why living alone isn’t “lonely” unless you let it be.
The Fun Stuff – The joy of solo travel, solo date nights, and doing things your way.
Why ThrivingSolo Exists
I built this site because I believe living alone isn’t just something to “deal with”—it’s something to embrace wholeheartedly. Whether you’re someone who loves your solo space or someone still getting used to it, this is a place where you’ll find ideas, motivation, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Because at the end of the day, you don’t need a full house to have a full life.
Welcome to ThrivingSolo—let’s make the most of it.
