One of the benefits I found living alone is how super productive (not necessarily in a work sense but a creative or life admin or self-indulgent way) you can be without your family or partner and their lovable nonsense distracting you and absorbing all your unplanned time. Being able to impulsively do something you're passionate about for like, a whole evening without disruption or negotiation can be so therapeutic.
Oh GOSH, this! This is one huge reason I not only love travelling alone, but can't wait to live on my own. You're not living to anyone else's schedule or needs, or disruptions like you said.
yeaaaah there's a lot to be said for not having to negotiate with anyone - I can make whatever I want for dinner most nights without having to take anyone else into account
I wish I could figure out how to do that (be super productive while living alone) I always have friends coming over or texting me or the phone is always ringing so when I have a plan to be super productive, I have to stop and that really throws a wrench in everything.
Oh for sure! I love my partner to bits and absolutely love living with him but I've gotten waaayy less productive academically since we've moved in together haha
I've lived alone for 8 of the past 10 years, including through all the lockdowns. It's such a luxury to actually get copious alone time like this, you get to know yourself so well. My top tips: - Love your place! Say "hi house!" when you walk in and enjoy the sweetness of being an adult and having your own space. - Have a housecleaning playlist, preferably one you can dance to. - Podcasts while cooking! Cooking for yourself in general can be amazing. You learn to eat really intuitively after a while, if you pay attention. - Buy two types of fruit at a time - peaches and bananas, or apples and strawberries, and eat through those before buying different fruit. That way none of the fruit goes off. - Make big meals every now and then and freeze the leftovers. You'll thank yourself on an off day. - Have a "messy corner". For me it's throwing my clothes on the floor before going to bed. Every time I revel in the fact that no one can judge me for it. And it helps me keep the rest of my house relatively clean.
I live alone and can never see myself living with someone again. I love it. But my advice is to don't just live alone, be alone in the outside world sometimes too. I take myself on dates, go get dinner and read a book, see a movie alone. I go on picnics alone and adventures. Being alone outside the house is fun too
I LOVE living alone. I did once nearly choke on some food many years ago and I did think 'how many days would it be until someone found me?' I'd be dead by then so I wouldn't care anyway, lol. I really enjoyed adult colouring books alongside a podcast to stop the screen time thing, nowadays I exercise and clean to achieve the same thing. The freedom to just do whatever I want is great. The advice I would give people if you're moving to a new place where you don't know anyone (me in 2012) is to join something that isn't related to your work e.g. a sports club, volunteering somewhere, a choir, literally whatever. It'll give you some interaction that isn't work related and will broaden your horizons as well as connecting you with the local community.
I've been living alone for almost ten years. Careful, it's SO addictive! Once I learned true independence, I found a strength and peace I didn't know existed. And yeah, dancing in your underwear is a great thing to do.
For the zipper problem, always have a really long piece of ribbon or something sturdy that you can thread through the the tongue of the zipper, then hold the two ends of the ribbon and use them to pull down to zip, you may need to hold the top of your dress steady whilst you start pulling but it really works both for undoing and doing up the zipper, there are specially designed tools that you can buy that do that as well but I've found the ribbon works every time for me.
I think it is truly magic when people's lives on different paths intersect and deepen your understanding and appreciation of humanity. I've only ever lived alone for 2 months of my life, but my kids are finally both in school and I have the mornings to myself. After a year and a half of lockdown with my kids, I feel like I have gotten to get to know myself for the first time in these days alone. I already loved my kids, but I'm learning how to love myself too. It's been invaluable (for my whole family).
I’m 22 and live alone with my 2 cats and I love it. I’m very introverted and really need time by myself but i have found that having the time alone then makes me more chatty and extroverted when I am next with people as I have things stored up and ready to say. Also having the cats is the best as I am never really on my own and can talk at them if I need to 😄
I'm living alone for the first time ever in my life. Even only a couple of months into it so far, I can already definitively say, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I've discovered that I'm really quite comfortable staying at home for 2 weeks straight and just doing my own thing (which often involves putting you on for company, Leena!). But I'm glad it came at this time, when I feel like I have a lot of tools learned for homemaking (I lived in collectives for a long while) - it could have been a totally different experience if it came even just a few years ago.
Leena, YOU are the "comforting audiobook" that helps me get out of my own head. I live with 4 kids but no other adult. At the end of the night when my house is too silent or I am lacking grown-up conversations, your company is just lovely. Thanks for everything, Rebekah
As an introvert I was so sure that living on my own would be the best for me while I was at uni. I've realized afterwards that I spent too much time making sure I got my me-time that I ended up not really getting to know any of the people around me. So I would just like to encourage anyone who are anything like me to maybe go out a bit more than you think you need to, especially when moving somewhere new. I just wanted to say this because I wished I would've seen this video before I moved on my own, but then I realized I probably wouldn't have listened to the advice just because Leena said she's not an introvert. I've now realized that just because I like being alone I'm not necessarily good at it.
I live alone, I've never heard it phrased that way but you're so right! Im not treating myself the way I would treat others with the mess I'm leaving myself
I've been living alone for more than five years now, and I really wish I had this video when I started :') The advice about messiness and being the person to tidy for, clean for... would also have been good for me at the time, and I'm trying to learn that now... Also, in that sense (and the "be a little bit gross sometimes" one), here's my advice : Just because you can let your dirty dishes stay dirty for up to two weeks or more, doesn't mean you should X) Thank you Leena for all your videos, I love them
liked the advice about having a plan for when you feel sad and having that plan ready before you get home - it's really good advice. also wanted to mention that whenever you post a video about life in one's 20's, i always go "ha, i am past that" and then remember that i'm actually not - i am 26. i don't know why, but my brain does that everytime 😅
Loved this vid!! I am autistic so I struggle sharing a house with others, but at the same time I know I can get very isolated when I'm by myself. You've definitely given me some ideas and courage for when I go live on my again at some point. (if the housing crisis in the Netherlands ever resolves rip)
Yes, as a fellow autistic in the Netherlands I get the struggle. I am now living on my own but spend my Saturdays at my friends house every week. We don't spend the day doing stuff together but just love having someone around while each doing our own thing. We are thinking about house sharing but that seems a bit to much for us both, as well as getting a house is not possible with the housing market and we each have to small of a house to house share right now (we live in a studio and a one bedroom).
@@sanneo7457 that is such a good idea! I used to live by myself and it was really unhealthy for me in hindsight, but honestly my life and social network are so different now it might not be so bad anymore.
@@everythingbylau yes i have been there, especially in the beginnings of corona when all the changes were too much and I just locked myself indoors. But watching youtube vids like this can help so much to learn more about how to make it positive! Just know that when you feel ready, you can do it (living on your own). That does not mean it will no be hard. Everyone figures out through trial and error what they need. I also have the rule that the dishes need to done each night. I do not like doing them, but have learned it will give me more motivation to cook the next day if my pan is clean. All thing you just have to figure out as you go.
Very insightful video. I've never lived alone, I went from living with my parents to boarding school at 15 to being an aupair then living with three different sets of flatmates in the course of four years. I have now been living with my partner for a year. And I love it! And I still feel incredibly independent and content with myself. Over the last week and a bit, I've been isolating in our flat because I caught Covid. My partner and I decided he should go back to his mums to avoid getting it if we want to have a shot at spending Christmas with my family. And it feels so liberating. I do miss him and I am a bit bored but there is something to be said about those dark winter nights, come 7pm when, in normal times I would never ever be alone. 10/10 would recommend for a bit.
I've been living in an apartment with a roommate for a year and a half but she stays with her family a lot so I get quite a bit of extended periods of living alone and I quite enjoy it! I'll most likely be moving out into my own apartment within a few months and living there for the rest of university which is quite exciting. My first own home! Studios and one-bedrooms are a bit tricky to get in the town I live in bc of the amount of students but I'm finally first in line for whenever someone moves out of a specific building that has apartments for student accommodation. Not too long of a wait anymore 💃🏻
I have never once lived alone. I went from living at home to staying mostly every night with my partner, and then we officially moved in together, bought a house and got married. Sometimes I feel like I missed out of some personal growth. Especially now that I'm a mom to small children I fantasize about what it must be like to sit in a quiet place with no one touching me or asking things of me. What would I do to fill the time I wonder. How many books could I read?!
Even though I've been living alone for 4 years now this was still nice to hear. The past two years I've been working from home as well so it's sometimes days between talking to people in person, and that's a struggle I guess I didn't think I'd have to deal with. Like you said, it gets really easy to get stuck in negative thoughts when there is nobody around to get you out of it. It's really a struggle especially in winter for me when it gets dark before i'm finished with work meaning I can't go for a nature walk. However the tip about tactile activities is on point. It's very helpful to remind yourself that you are in fact real and the world does exist. Also ... two nights ago was an exceptionally struggle filled day and I definitely had dinner in the bathtub and I'm strangely pleased to hear I'm not the only human in history to have done that 😂
Get a plant and put things on your shelves as quickly as possible. I have lived alone for many years and moved 17 times and I have found that the loneliness and emptiness you feel right after moving into a new place is greatly reduced if there are personal things on the shelf and a nice green plant to keep me company and make it feel homey. A ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) is a great choice. They are incredibly easy to keep and not overly expensive.
Yesss i lived alone for the first time when i moved out for my postgrad studies. I loved it! Not only did i gain independence and peace, i also learned to love and not be afraid of doing things by myself.
As someone who lives on their own, I seriously enjoy it! Completely agree with knowing of getting to know someone relatively close who can help you if you need it. I too get into four day pile washing up piles and definitely need to get into the rules thing, and I've also never listened to radio so much!! Though I completely agree it's been so much easier to process things when I don't have to hide my emotions about whatever it's about.
I bought my house in June of this year. Trying not to sound too much of a twat, but I'm pretty proud of myself. It should be said that I'm very privileged as I live in South Wales and the cost of living is lower than in most parts of the UK. I have a good job and my parents let me live with them rent free for most of my 20s. But what I've learnt living alone is that, I appreciate a clean house. I enjoy cooking when I have the mental capacity to do so. And the gross thing I love doing is eating in bed 😂 a goal I want to get better at in general in the new year is less screen time, I'm going to take your advise and do more tactile things.
My partner and I have been talking about moving in together soon, but I had to put my foot down that I needed to live alone for a time first. I have only every lived in large settings with at least 4 roommates, and I want some space to find out about what you were saying in the beginning, Leena: what are my habits because they are my preferences, and what are my habits based on having to accommodate sharing space with roommates? I am counting down the weeks until I get to move and *finally* have my own space.
I live alone and was reassured to hear that I actually do do most of the things you've mentioned - I've sent this across to some friends who also are living alone now or will be moving out soon and I hope it'll help them! I'm glad you're with Craig now but through what you've said I can see that living alone has helped you grow into the wonderful person you are today 🥰 P.S. I also feel very blessed that I can have my cat in my flat, she definitely fills the silence during her lil crazy moments 😅
not related but this video marks the first time I ever heard the expression DIRE STRAITS not as the name of the Mark Knopfler band!!!! in the 25 years of my life!
Been living alone since August after a break-up last year followed by moving in with nightmare housemates for six months and then crashing with family for a couple of months (2021, a wild ride). Initially I loved the peace and quiet and not having to consider other people, but this video was a much-needed boost as in the last few weeks since it got dark it's definitely felt a lot harder. My social anxiety is definitely higher, I feel like I've forgotten how to talk to people now I spend so much time on my own. Still, hoping that in the new year I can get back to trying to make friends in my new city and find a good balance!
I'm an introvert and the most main thing I learned from living alone is that I prefer living with other people. It's hard for me the create social situations and sometimes even to gather the energy to get out of the house if I don't have to. So I prefer to live with someone who will bring the party to me, so to speak.
Ooooh!! I can tell I'll be coming back to this one over and over - I have always dreamed of living on my own in my own space. Being autistic means I've just liked the idea and found it easier to live on my own, and have my own space which I have control over? I'm 29 so not quite the ideal age/demographic for this video, but I FEEL like this will be appropriate for anyone moving into a place on their own. And HOLY CRAP the point at 5:54 hit a lot! When I'm out travelling, staying at a hotel or Airbnb on my own, I LOVE just finding a local coffee shop or pub just to sit in and relax. Do a bit of people-watching, try local food/drink, it's just lovely! And isn't that one great thing about living on your own? Not needing to worry about being on anyone else's schedule or plans? That part is SUPER powerful for me ^_^
It's funny whenever I hear about people having trouble living alone because I really feel like this is the way I'm meant to live. I've lived alone for over 3 years now and I loved it from the beginning. I've always preferred my own company at a default, and very much need my time alone to unwind and unmask, even though I love when I get to see my friends. The only time it's ever been an issue was during the height of the COVID lockdowns when I wasn't allowed to see anyone. That seriously sucked, but is very much not the norm. I wouldn't know what to suggest because it all feels so natural to me, but I'm always listening to new podcasts, audiobooks, youtube videos etc. while I'm doing tasks around the flat. I usually have at least one TV show on the go that I watch when I'm eating. I also usually have at least one song I'm trying to write or learn at any one time, so there's never a shortage of things to do. I can't speak to what it would be like for someone who needs to be around people all the time, but for an autistic introvert like myself it could well be the best time of your life.
I lived alone for five months once. It was really hard at first because I moved to a place where I didn’t know anyone. But it got better and I enjoyed my little routines that no-one interrupted
The video came at the perfect time! I moved into a flat on my own in October and I loved the freedom during the first month or so and just doing whatever I want. Then seasonal depression hit and I realised I need to balance alone time with seeing other humans. Some great tips in this video that I can hopefully use!
I've been living on my own for a little over a year now and while I figured out some of these on my own, I should take your advice about going out when you feel down. Pandemic just makes it feel unreasonably risky. ✨ the struggles of our modern age✨
Good luck to the person who sent the question!!! I’m loving living alone! It means I am so much more social because I mindfully choose to see people and only spend the amount of time that I wish to with other people.
I just turned 27 and to say I’m itching to live alone is an understatement. Brokeness after uni meant I had to move back home and things just haven’t lined up for me to move out but I WANT IT SO BAD. And specifically alone, I’ll live in a share house over my dead body.
Wow I did not realize how much I needed to here this. I've been living alone during the second year of this pandemic and it truly has been the best of times and the worst of times. And I have done so much growing and learning. Now all I want to do is live with roommates. I am truly an introvert but I've realized I need to be around people sometimes. And even after I have recouped alone in my room, I remember I still live alone and have nobody to socialize with that doesn't involve always going out. I need a mixture!
Leena! This video could not have come out at a more perfect time for me, I am in the process of ending a 10+ year relationship and will be moving out on my own. Very comforting to hear your insight, I've definitely lost a bit of myself in the relationship I was in and although it is scary to think about living alone I'm excited to reconnect with passions and creativity. Thank you so much for sharing. 💜
loved loved loved this! i lived alone for 2 years and enjoyed it so much….. until lock down. then it was a big struggle. for me the difficulties tended to be the littler things- every plan felt more like it had to be arranged in advance, and was less of the kind of sitting-on-the-sofa-hungover-watching-tv-all-day type of socialising. but i adored bringing who i wanted over exactly when i wanted. found what you said about treating yourself to a tidy home very insightful - need to think like that more
The story about you going out dancing alone and joining that group of girls is honestly one of my faves because I remember you telling it before and thinking holy heck, that‘s genius, and kind of wishing I had that amount of gumption. it honestly just warms my heart that you acknowledged the need for dancing in yourself and went against social norms to be a social Norms :) I would love to go back and watch some videos from that time given that I started living alone this year. Do you still have any links to those? x
Just got out of a toxic relationship. And living by myself for the first time in my life. 31 now. And I totally get the bad days and good days and learning to sit with it sometimes or do something about it.
As a 37 year old who has never lived alone (and basically never been single) I feel quite wistful thinking of this experience which I've missed out on!
I loved living alone! Leave it to Leena to come up with amazing, practical, insightful advice and not just the same old tried-and-true! This needs to be written down somewhere...
Wow I‘m glad you mentioned the audiobook/podcast thing. I do this and sometimes felt a bit guilty about it (cause distraction bad lol). Been living alone for almost 9 months and I love it! 🤗
Leena. Thank you so much for this video. I wish I had watched it four years ago, the first time I lived alone. Such a good advice, specially the sadness plan
I wish I'd had this video when I started living on my own when I was 18! This is wonderful and in many cases holds so true in my experience! Like going out when you feel sad (even if there is no people to go out with, just go by yourself and be arround people), having an audiobook prepared and how valuable it can be to just sit in the silence. These things really helped me as well! And I love point 7, to be a bit gross eg do not be so judgemental on yourself and allow yourself to think out of the box (my interpretation). Inspiring! Maybe I will try for sunday roast in bath today! ;)
Big deal for me is to be very intentional and warm about decorating my space. I think about how I would like to welcome someone else into my home, be it a date or a friend group or a family member. More importantly on the day to day is, how would I like to be welcomed home? Is today a day where I can welcome myself to a clean kitchen and a tidy studio? Will I enter a dark flat or can I leave a light on in the window for the dark season? Being alone also means you will probably only recieve as much kindness as you are willing to give yourself.
I have had the dress zip situation happen too! My solution is a paper clip with a piece of ribbon, then loop through the top of the zip and then you can pull it down wetsuit style...
I live in student accommodation so it often feels like I live alone because I have nobody to properly hold me accountable for my living habits. Especially right now because I'm gonna be in covid isolation here until boxing day 🥲🙃
I'm so glad to be living alone (in my twenties now). Apart from when I'm at my parent's home -- being means constantly performing. Like, even when I like the people I live with it's some pressure. Being alone I can feel relaxed
I'm in my mid-twenties and I had just started living alone (4 months in). I'm an outgoing introvert (i.e. I can easily drive a crowd but after some time gets super drained) so I always look forward to going home and recharging! I also like talking to myself out loud and I have been doing that more and more these days. There are rough times during the wee hours but I can say that so far, I am living my dream life.
This video's come at a perfect time for me - I've been living alone (/with people but we don't talk) for the last few months, and have had to take a few weeks sick leave due to a relapse of illness. I'm trying to use the time productively for a career change but it's just so easy for me to lie in bed for hours/almost days upon end, eat like crap, and do virtually nothing throughout the day 😅 Limiting (non-useful) screen time is something I'm definitely gonna try and force myself to do!
Awww the dress story. That reminded me of when the main character in the movie How To Be Single made a device to help her unzip her dresses by herself. Lol. An underrated movie.
I’ll be living alone for the first time next year and I truly cannot wait! I’m sure I’ve got some rose tinted glasses on, but definitely overall excited and some great tips ✨
I lived alone for about 3 years and I really love all the ideas in this video! Feel like I did some of these unintentionally. One piece of advice I wish I could go back and give myself would be to not be afraid to invite friends over if I had a service person coming by that day. I always felt like I would be bothering someone but as a young woman living alone, I got myself in very avoidable situations with creepy service people. Looking back I don’t think my friends would have minded hanging out with me while waiting for the internet guy.
i’m currently living alone for the first time! and i cannot get enough. not sure how i will ever return to roommates (i’m working a job somewhere a little less expensive than where i’ll likely return to at the end of next year). absolutely treasure “turning myself off” when i come home every day
I've been living alone for 5ish years now, after living with flat mates and partners. Oh my I didn't realise how introverted I am. It gives you that time to reboot and have the energy for when you do want to see people. I find I appreciate that time with them more now. Also to keep things tidy I tell myself "if it takes 2 minutes or less just get it done"
I find that I have a tendency to just let my place get very untidy and the dishes stack up and I can't be bothered to clean, because who cares it's just me here. However when it gets to a point where I feel anxious to have people around because it's dirty or untidy, then I know it's gotten out of hand. Because if I'm uncomfortable with that, it's because it's become more than I'm actually comfortable with. It's come to the point where it's actually harmful for my mental health as well. So if you live alone and like me don't clean because who cares, then a good piece of advice is to make sure to feel within yourself once in a while, whether it's actually a bit stressful for you too have a home that's too untidy. Cause a cluttered space can mean a cluttered mind. ❤
In some cases, pets can be a great idea aswell. Not saying everyone should blindly adopt obviously, making sure you can provide the best care for your furry child is so so important and an animal should never be taken in only to be thrown out again after some months because SOMEONE didn't do any research. Taking care of a living, breathing being can be extremely rewarding and builds responsibility in my experience. You research, invest in proper equipment and get motivated to provide a great experience for that being. All that without the downsides of sharing your space with another human. You're still independed and in full control but not alone in a bad way. I've realized early on in my life that I need a lot of me-time so I was happy to live all on my own. Turns out with the pandemic and living far out it was too lonely even for my taste, but the thought of a stranger as a roommate stressed/weirded me out. I would've liked a dog since I grew up with them but I knew I did not have enough time for one. I eventually adopted a 2 year old black cat, after doing a lot of research. Plus knowing I'll take care of her for the next 5..10..15 years. Perhaps more, fingers crossed. We've been living together for 1,5 years now and I love her so much. She's very specific about how she likes things and is treated like a princess here. Pets are a lot of work, they take up time and energy and money. More than you would think. But I wouldn't give her away for anything in the world. She gives back so much love and makes me laugh a lot. Now if you can't take care of a cat for whatever reason, perhaps a more low maintenance pet would still suit you. I've recently aquired an aquarium that is now home to 5 blue ramshorn snails and around newyears 10 blue dream neocaridina shrimp will also move in! Just watching the snails can be soo relaxing and calming. They are quite fast underwater -and coming from someone who hates bugs and all the like outside water- they are adorable. Even with seemingly simple pets like that though, you have to make sure you know about a lot beforehand. The ground, the plants, the hardscape, water parameters, temperature and who they would enjoy being roommates with. What to do in case of algae and bacteria etc. There's much to learn but the actual maintenance is rather low. Weekly water change and depending on your pets feeding them.
I started living on my own a few months ago and one of the things that happened very early on is that I fainted, got a severe concussion and broke my nose. The doctor asked me to have a person with me for 24h and that meant calling a friend at 5 in the morning to come with me to the hospital and stay by my side. Granted, it was weird AF. But also, it made me realise how much we have built society for couples. Also, my favourite weird thing that I do often is not brushing my teeth if I am really sleepy. If it is 1 am, I just came from a dinner, I allow myself to go to sleep and tomorrow will be another day. Nobody is going to kiss me goodnight and I don't care enough. So yeah, gross, but also quite freeing.
Heya just letting u know this video isn’t in your twenties toolkit playlist, and it’s personally my fav of the whole series and the one I find most helpful so if you see this I’d defs suggest adding it so more people can get this good advice ❤️❤️❤️
The ‘make sure you have a plan for when you get home if you’re sad’ literally changed my life!!! And specifically picking up ingredients to make a nice meal for myself. Absolutely genius
This couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me! I got the keys to my own place yesterday and I have no idea what to expect from living alone 😅 Interesting that I never thought about this beforehand 🤔😂
I felt so called out when you said wandering around in underwear as I was doing it... I think I'll miss being able to do that though! A low point for me was when my girlfriend came round impromptu in the early days of our relationship and discovered mouldy dishes... since lockdown though I've taken much more pride in my surroundings, perhaps because I was there all the time and it feels much nicer to myself. I like podcasts and TH-cam in the background to keep me company but I think it's probably important to plan quiet times because I've found it difficult to tolerate silence as a result.
One of the benefits I found living alone is how super productive (not necessarily in a work sense but a creative or life admin or self-indulgent way) you can be without your family or partner and their lovable nonsense distracting you and absorbing all your unplanned time. Being able to impulsively do something you're passionate about for like, a whole evening without disruption or negotiation can be so therapeutic.
Oh GOSH, this! This is one huge reason I not only love travelling alone, but can't wait to live on my own. You're not living to anyone else's schedule or needs, or disruptions like you said.
YES! No negotiation of how to spend your spare time is my favourite thing.
yeaaaah there's a lot to be said for not having to negotiate with anyone - I can make whatever I want for dinner most nights without having to take anyone else into account
I wish I could figure out how to do that (be super productive while living alone) I always have friends coming over or texting me or the phone is always ringing so when I have a plan to be super productive, I have to stop and that really throws a wrench in everything.
Oh for sure! I love my partner to bits and absolutely love living with him but I've gotten waaayy less productive academically since we've moved in together haha
I hated living alone. Thanks for saving me from the tyranny, Norms.
omg every time the skeletons come onto my screen my serotonin levels triple
I've lived alone for 8 of the past 10 years, including through all the lockdowns. It's such a luxury to actually get copious alone time like this, you get to know yourself so well. My top tips:
- Love your place! Say "hi house!" when you walk in and enjoy the sweetness of being an adult and having your own space.
- Have a housecleaning playlist, preferably one you can dance to.
- Podcasts while cooking! Cooking for yourself in general can be amazing. You learn to eat really intuitively after a while, if you pay attention.
- Buy two types of fruit at a time - peaches and bananas, or apples and strawberries, and eat through those before buying different fruit. That way none of the fruit goes off.
- Make big meals every now and then and freeze the leftovers. You'll thank yourself on an off day.
- Have a "messy corner". For me it's throwing my clothes on the floor before going to bed. Every time I revel in the fact that no one can judge me for it. And it helps me keep the rest of my house relatively clean.
Thank you for this! It's really nice to get to hear a little piece of someone's experience.
The night-out dress anecdote is straight out of a Bridget Jones story haha
I live alone and can never see myself living with someone again. I love it. But my advice is to don't just live alone, be alone in the outside world sometimes too. I take myself on dates, go get dinner and read a book, see a movie alone. I go on picnics alone and adventures. Being alone outside the house is fun too
My biggest problem with living alone is: I could never go back to living with anyone.
These walls here are peace and heaven on earth.
I LOVE living alone. I did once nearly choke on some food many years ago and I did think 'how many days would it be until someone found me?' I'd be dead by then so I wouldn't care anyway, lol. I really enjoyed adult colouring books alongside a podcast to stop the screen time thing, nowadays I exercise and clean to achieve the same thing. The freedom to just do whatever I want is great. The advice I would give people if you're moving to a new place where you don't know anyone (me in 2012) is to join something that isn't related to your work e.g. a sports club, volunteering somewhere, a choir, literally whatever. It'll give you some interaction that isn't work related and will broaden your horizons as well as connecting you with the local community.
I'm moving to my own space TODAY! I'm quite nervous but also very excited.
You're gonna love it!
I've been living alone for almost ten years. Careful, it's SO addictive! Once I learned true independence, I found a strength and peace I didn't know existed. And yeah, dancing in your underwear is a great thing to do.
For the zipper problem, always have a really long piece of ribbon or something sturdy that you can thread through the the tongue of the zipper, then hold the two ends of the ribbon and use them to pull down to zip, you may need to hold the top of your dress steady whilst you start pulling but it really works both for undoing and doing up the zipper, there are specially designed tools that you can buy that do that as well but I've found the ribbon works every time for me.
I always tell friends who are about the live alone (I did for ages and loved it but...)
You never realize how lonely you are until the WiFi drops.
thank you for always having good subtitles! It's so nice to be able to watch immediately ❤
Second this!!
I think it is truly magic when people's lives on different paths intersect and deepen your understanding and appreciation of humanity. I've only ever lived alone for 2 months of my life, but my kids are finally both in school and I have the mornings to myself. After a year and a half of lockdown with my kids, I feel like I have gotten to get to know myself for the first time in these days alone. I already loved my kids, but I'm learning how to love myself too. It's been invaluable (for my whole family).
I’m 22 and live alone with my 2 cats and I love it. I’m very introverted and really need time by myself but i have found that having the time alone then makes me more chatty and extroverted when I am next with people as I have things stored up and ready to say. Also having the cats is the best as I am never really on my own and can talk at them if I need to 😄
I'm living alone for the first time ever in my life. Even only a couple of months into it so far, I can already definitively say, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I've discovered that I'm really quite comfortable staying at home for 2 weeks straight and just doing my own thing (which often involves putting you on for company, Leena!). But I'm glad it came at this time, when I feel like I have a lot of tools learned for homemaking (I lived in collectives for a long while) - it could have been a totally different experience if it came even just a few years ago.
Leena, YOU are the "comforting audiobook" that helps me get out of my own head. I live with 4 kids but no other adult. At the end of the night when my house is too silent or I am lacking grown-up conversations, your company is just lovely.
Thanks for everything,
Rebekah
As an introvert I was so sure that living on my own would be the best for me while I was at uni. I've realized afterwards that I spent too much time making sure I got my me-time that I ended up not really getting to know any of the people around me. So I would just like to encourage anyone who are anything like me to maybe go out a bit more than you think you need to, especially when moving somewhere new.
I just wanted to say this because I wished I would've seen this video before I moved on my own, but then I realized I probably wouldn't have listened to the advice just because Leena said she's not an introvert. I've now realized that just because I like being alone I'm not necessarily good at it.
I live alone, I've never heard it phrased that way but you're so right! Im not treating myself the way I would treat others with the mess I'm leaving myself
I've been living alone for more than five years now, and I really wish I had this video when I started :') The advice about messiness and being the person to tidy for, clean for... would also have been good for me at the time, and I'm trying to learn that now...
Also, in that sense (and the "be a little bit gross sometimes" one), here's my advice : Just because you can let your dirty dishes stay dirty for up to two weeks or more, doesn't mean you should X)
Thank you Leena for all your videos, I love them
As someone living alone for the last few years (in my 40s), this is amazing advice. Do it all. :)
liked the advice about having a plan for when you feel sad and having that plan ready before you get home - it's really good advice. also wanted to mention that whenever you post a video about life in one's 20's, i always go "ha, i am past that" and then remember that i'm actually not - i am 26. i don't know why, but my brain does that everytime 😅
Loved this vid!! I am autistic so I struggle sharing a house with others, but at the same time I know I can get very isolated when I'm by myself. You've definitely given me some ideas and courage for when I go live on my again at some point. (if the housing crisis in the Netherlands ever resolves rip)
Oooh, from a fellow autistic person, BIG mood about struggling to share a house with others - hope you're able to live solo again soon!
Yes, as a fellow autistic in the Netherlands I get the struggle. I am now living on my own but spend my Saturdays at my friends house every week. We don't spend the day doing stuff together but just love having someone around while each doing our own thing. We are thinking about house sharing but that seems a bit to much for us both, as well as getting a house is not possible with the housing market and we each have to small of a house to house share right now (we live in a studio and a one bedroom).
@@sanneo7457 that is such a good idea! I used to live by myself and it was really unhealthy for me in hindsight, but honestly my life and social network are so different now it might not be so bad anymore.
Thank you!! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one.
@@everythingbylau yes i have been there, especially in the beginnings of corona when all the changes were too much and I just locked myself indoors. But watching youtube vids like this can help so much to learn more about how to make it positive! Just know that when you feel ready, you can do it (living on your own). That does not mean it will no be hard. Everyone figures out through trial and error what they need. I also have the rule that the dishes need to done each night. I do not like doing them, but have learned it will give me more motivation to cook the next day if my pan is clean. All thing you just have to figure out as you go.
Very insightful video. I've never lived alone, I went from living with my parents to boarding school at 15 to being an aupair then living with three different sets of flatmates in the course of four years. I have now been living with my partner for a year. And I love it! And I still feel incredibly independent and content with myself. Over the last week and a bit, I've been isolating in our flat because I caught Covid. My partner and I decided he should go back to his mums to avoid getting it if we want to have a shot at spending Christmas with my family.
And it feels so liberating. I do miss him and I am a bit bored but there is something to be said about those dark winter nights, come 7pm when, in normal times I would never ever be alone. 10/10 would recommend for a bit.
Am I in my 20s? No. Do I live alone? No.
Am I jolly well getting my daily Leena dose anyway? Yes, yes I am :)
I've been living in an apartment with a roommate for a year and a half but she stays with her family a lot so I get quite a bit of extended periods of living alone and I quite enjoy it! I'll most likely be moving out into my own apartment within a few months and living there for the rest of university which is quite exciting. My first own home! Studios and one-bedrooms are a bit tricky to get in the town I live in bc of the amount of students but I'm finally first in line for whenever someone moves out of a specific building that has apartments for student accommodation. Not too long of a wait anymore 💃🏻
I think you need to spill about your run off the altar!
I miss living alone 😩 I love with my seven year old; we both have ADHD and it’s freaking chaos 😂
I have never once lived alone. I went from living at home to staying mostly every night with my partner, and then we officially moved in together, bought a house and got married. Sometimes I feel like I missed out of some personal growth. Especially now that I'm a mom to small children I fantasize about what it must be like to sit in a quiet place with no one touching me or asking things of me. What would I do to fill the time I wonder. How many books could I read?!
Even though I've been living alone for 4 years now this was still nice to hear. The past two years I've been working from home as well so it's sometimes days between talking to people in person, and that's a struggle I guess I didn't think I'd have to deal with. Like you said, it gets really easy to get stuck in negative thoughts when there is nobody around to get you out of it. It's really a struggle especially in winter for me when it gets dark before i'm finished with work meaning I can't go for a nature walk. However the tip about tactile activities is on point. It's very helpful to remind yourself that you are in fact real and the world does exist.
Also ... two nights ago was an exceptionally struggle filled day and I definitely had dinner in the bathtub and I'm strangely pleased to hear I'm not the only human in history to have done that 😂
Get a plant and put things on your shelves as quickly as possible. I have lived alone for many years and moved 17 times and I have found that the loneliness and emptiness you feel right after moving into a new place is greatly reduced if there are personal things on the shelf and a nice green plant to keep me company and make it feel homey. A ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) is a great choice. They are incredibly easy to keep and not overly expensive.
I've loved having these videos to wake up to everyday. I'm sad they're almost over 💕
The hat is back!!! Yay
Yesss i lived alone for the first time when i moved out for my postgrad studies. I loved it! Not only did i gain independence and peace, i also learned to love and not be afraid of doing things by myself.
As someone who lives on their own, I seriously enjoy it! Completely agree with knowing of getting to know someone relatively close who can help you if you need it. I too get into four day pile washing up piles and definitely need to get into the rules thing, and I've also never listened to radio so much!! Though I completely agree it's been so much easier to process things when I don't have to hide my emotions about whatever it's about.
I bought my house in June of this year. Trying not to sound too much of a twat, but I'm pretty proud of myself. It should be said that I'm very privileged as I live in South Wales and the cost of living is lower than in most parts of the UK. I have a good job and my parents let me live with them rent free for most of my 20s. But what I've learnt living alone is that, I appreciate a clean house. I enjoy cooking when I have the mental capacity to do so. And the gross thing I love doing is eating in bed 😂 a goal I want to get better at in general in the new year is less screen time, I'm going to take your advise and do more tactile things.
My partner and I have been talking about moving in together soon, but I had to put my foot down that I needed to live alone for a time first. I have only every lived in large settings with at least 4 roommates, and I want some space to find out about what you were saying in the beginning, Leena: what are my habits because they are my preferences, and what are my habits based on having to accommodate sharing space with roommates? I am counting down the weeks until I get to move and *finally* have my own space.
I feel like this video applies even if you are living with other people, but you don't get on with them because that can be lonely too
Wonderful advice as always my friend! I’ve lived alone for 16 years and don’t think I could ever go back to housemates.
I live alone and was reassured to hear that I actually do do most of the things you've mentioned - I've sent this across to some friends who also are living alone now or will be moving out soon and I hope it'll help them! I'm glad you're with Craig now but through what you've said I can see that living alone has helped you grow into the wonderful person you are today 🥰
P.S. I also feel very blessed that I can have my cat in my flat, she definitely fills the silence during her lil crazy moments 😅
Get a couple of those long handled back brushes...One for the shower, but the other one ESPECIALLY for back scratching! Life saver!
I remember you telling that iCONIC dancing story many moons ago. It's still iconic. Huge.
not related but this video marks the first time I ever heard the expression DIRE STRAITS not as the name of the Mark Knopfler band!!!! in the 25 years of my life!
Been living alone since August after a break-up last year followed by moving in with nightmare housemates for six months and then crashing with family for a couple of months (2021, a wild ride). Initially I loved the peace and quiet and not having to consider other people, but this video was a much-needed boost as in the last few weeks since it got dark it's definitely felt a lot harder. My social anxiety is definitely higher, I feel like I've forgotten how to talk to people now I spend so much time on my own. Still, hoping that in the new year I can get back to trying to make friends in my new city and find a good balance!
I'm an introvert and the most main thing I learned from living alone is that I prefer living with other people. It's hard for me the create social situations and sometimes even to gather the energy to get out of the house if I don't have to. So I prefer to live with someone who will bring the party to me, so to speak.
Ooooh!! I can tell I'll be coming back to this one over and over - I have always dreamed of living on my own in my own space. Being autistic means I've just liked the idea and found it easier to live on my own, and have my own space which I have control over? I'm 29 so not quite the ideal age/demographic for this video, but I FEEL like this will be appropriate for anyone moving into a place on their own.
And HOLY CRAP the point at 5:54 hit a lot! When I'm out travelling, staying at a hotel or Airbnb on my own, I LOVE just finding a local coffee shop or pub just to sit in and relax. Do a bit of people-watching, try local food/drink, it's just lovely! And isn't that one great thing about living on your own? Not needing to worry about being on anyone else's schedule or plans? That part is SUPER powerful for me ^_^
It's funny whenever I hear about people having trouble living alone because I really feel like this is the way I'm meant to live. I've lived alone for over 3 years now and I loved it from the beginning. I've always preferred my own company at a default, and very much need my time alone to unwind and unmask, even though I love when I get to see my friends.
The only time it's ever been an issue was during the height of the COVID lockdowns when I wasn't allowed to see anyone. That seriously sucked, but is very much not the norm.
I wouldn't know what to suggest because it all feels so natural to me, but I'm always listening to new podcasts, audiobooks, youtube videos etc. while I'm doing tasks around the flat. I usually have at least one TV show on the go that I watch when I'm eating. I also usually have at least one song I'm trying to write or learn at any one time, so there's never a shortage of things to do.
I can't speak to what it would be like for someone who needs to be around people all the time, but for an autistic introvert like myself it could well be the best time of your life.
I lived alone for five months once. It was really hard at first because I moved to a place where I didn’t know anyone. But it got better and I enjoyed my little routines that no-one interrupted
The video came at the perfect time! I moved into a flat on my own in October and I loved the freedom during the first month or so and just doing whatever I want. Then seasonal depression hit and I realised I need to balance alone time with seeing other humans. Some great tips in this video that I can hopefully use!
I've been living on my own for a little over a year now and while I figured out some of these on my own, I should take your advice about going out when you feel down. Pandemic just makes it feel unreasonably risky. ✨ the struggles of our modern age✨
Good luck to the person who sent the question!!! I’m loving living alone! It means I am so much more social because I mindfully choose to see people and only spend the amount of time that I wish to with other people.
Anyone else loving the Virginia Woolf tshirt on the living alone question? You literally have A Room of One’s Own! 🙈😍
I think most of these tips also work in ashared flats with maybe not your best friends - so thanks!:)
It's like Eva Mouton says: "Be your own most loving mama".
oof that pub Story of you going out alone.. you are THE coolest person EVER!
I just turned 27 and to say I’m itching to live alone is an understatement. Brokeness after uni meant I had to move back home and things just haven’t lined up for me to move out but I WANT IT SO BAD. And specifically alone, I’ll live in a share house over my dead body.
Wow I did not realize how much I needed to here this. I've been living alone during the second year of this pandemic and it truly has been the best of times and the worst of times. And I have done so much growing and learning. Now all I want to do is live with roommates. I am truly an introvert but I've realized I need to be around people sometimes. And even after I have recouped alone in my room, I remember I still live alone and have nobody to socialize with that doesn't involve always going out. I need a mixture!
Leena! This video could not have come out at a more perfect time for me, I am in the process of ending a 10+ year relationship and will be moving out on my own. Very comforting to hear your insight, I've definitely lost a bit of myself in the relationship I was in and although it is scary to think about living alone I'm excited to reconnect with passions and creativity. Thank you so much for sharing. 💜
loved loved loved this! i lived alone for 2 years and enjoyed it so much….. until lock down. then it was a big struggle.
for me the difficulties tended to be the littler things- every plan felt more like it had to be arranged in advance, and was less of the kind of sitting-on-the-sofa-hungover-watching-tv-all-day type of socialising. but i adored bringing who i wanted over exactly when i wanted. found what you said about treating yourself to a tidy home very insightful - need to think like that more
The story about you going out dancing alone and joining that group of girls is honestly one of my faves because I remember you telling it before and thinking holy heck, that‘s genius, and kind of wishing I had that amount of gumption. it honestly just warms my heart that you acknowledged the need for dancing in yourself and went against social norms to be a social Norms :) I would love to go back and watch some videos from that time given that I started living alone this year. Do you still have any links to those? x
Just got out of a toxic relationship. And living by myself for the first time in my life. 31 now. And I totally get the bad days and good days and learning to sit with it sometimes or do something about it.
This has full on been one of the worst months of my life but each day I get at least 5 mins of joy! Thanks leena
Xxxx
As a 37 year old who has never lived alone (and basically never been single) I feel quite wistful thinking of this experience which I've missed out on!
I loved living alone! Leave it to Leena to come up with amazing, practical, insightful advice and not just the same old tried-and-true! This needs to be written down somewhere...
Wow I‘m glad you mentioned the audiobook/podcast thing. I do this and sometimes felt a bit guilty about it (cause distraction bad lol).
Been living alone for almost 9 months and I love it! 🤗
Leena, I love that green Cardigan you're wearing. Such a lovely colour!
Leena. Thank you so much for this video. I wish I had watched it four years ago, the first time I lived alone. Such a good advice, specially the sadness plan
I wish I'd had this video when I started living on my own when I was 18! This is wonderful and in many cases holds so true in my experience! Like going out when you feel sad (even if there is no people to go out with, just go by yourself and be arround people), having an audiobook prepared and how valuable it can be to just sit in the silence. These things really helped me as well!
And I love point 7, to be a bit gross eg do not be so judgemental on yourself and allow yourself to think out of the box (my interpretation). Inspiring! Maybe I will try for sunday roast in bath today! ;)
Big deal for me is to be very intentional and warm about decorating my space. I think about how I would like to welcome someone else into my home, be it a date or a friend group or a family member. More importantly on the day to day is, how would I like to be welcomed home? Is today a day where I can welcome myself to a clean kitchen and a tidy studio? Will I enter a dark flat or can I leave a light on in the window for the dark season? Being alone also means you will probably only recieve as much kindness as you are willing to give yourself.
This is great video, but I am only here in the comments to say that I am so glad you found your hat!! :)
I have had the dress zip situation happen too! My solution is a paper clip with a piece of ribbon, then loop through the top of the zip and then you can pull it down wetsuit style...
Wish I could live alone but it's far too expensive to exist unfortunately
I live in student accommodation so it often feels like I live alone because I have nobody to properly hold me accountable for my living habits. Especially right now because I'm gonna be in covid isolation here until boxing day 🥲🙃
I'm so glad to be living alone (in my twenties now). Apart from when I'm at my parent's home -- being means constantly performing. Like, even when I like the people I live with it's some pressure.
Being alone I can feel relaxed
I'm in my mid-twenties and I had just started living alone (4 months in). I'm an outgoing introvert (i.e. I can easily drive a crowd but after some time gets super drained) so I always look forward to going home and recharging! I also like talking to myself out loud and I have been doing that more and more these days. There are rough times during the wee hours but I can say that so far, I am living my dream life.
This video's come at a perfect time for me - I've been living alone (/with people but we don't talk) for the last few months, and have had to take a few weeks sick leave due to a relapse of illness.
I'm trying to use the time productively for a career change but it's just so easy for me to lie in bed for hours/almost days upon end, eat like crap, and do virtually nothing throughout the day 😅
Limiting (non-useful) screen time is something I'm definitely gonna try and force myself to do!
Awww the dress story. That reminded me of when the main character in the movie How To Be Single made a device to help her unzip her dresses by herself. Lol. An underrated movie.
I would love to hear more about you going on holiday alone. I've never done that but it sounds exciting!
I’ll be living alone for the first time next year and I truly cannot wait! I’m sure I’ve got some rose tinted glasses on, but definitely overall excited and some great tips ✨
This was extremely helpful! And I am looking forward to living alone albeit with some anxiety surrounding the idea.
I lived alone for about 3 years and I really love all the ideas in this video! Feel like I did some of these unintentionally. One piece of advice I wish I could go back and give myself would be to not be afraid to invite friends over if I had a service person coming by that day. I always felt like I would be bothering someone but as a young woman living alone, I got myself in very avoidable situations with creepy service people. Looking back I don’t think my friends would have minded hanging out with me while waiting for the internet guy.
thank u for this !! i've lived alone for a couple of months now but the prospect of another lockdown has made me fully deep it
No cause how did you know exactly what I needed 😩 thanks for this Leena!
im a 22 year old english teacher who lives alone and have been financially independent since 17. this vid is an early xmas pressie!!!!!!!!!!!
i’m currently living alone for the first time! and i cannot get enough. not sure how i will ever return to roommates (i’m working a job somewhere a little less expensive than where i’ll likely return to at the end of next year). absolutely treasure “turning myself off” when i come home every day
I've been living alone for 5ish years now, after living with flat mates and partners. Oh my I didn't realise how introverted I am. It gives you that time to reboot and have the energy for when you do want to see people. I find I appreciate that time with them more now. Also to keep things tidy I tell myself "if it takes 2 minutes or less just get it done"
I find that I have a tendency to just let my place get very untidy and the dishes stack up and I can't be bothered to clean, because who cares it's just me here. However when it gets to a point where I feel anxious to have people around because it's dirty or untidy, then I know it's gotten out of hand. Because if I'm uncomfortable with that, it's because it's become more than I'm actually comfortable with. It's come to the point where it's actually harmful for my mental health as well. So if you live alone and like me don't clean because who cares, then a good piece of advice is to make sure to feel within yourself once in a while, whether it's actually a bit stressful for you too have a home that's too untidy. Cause a cluttered space can mean a cluttered mind. ❤
This video certifiable evidence of your extrovert status, Leena!! 😝😘💖🤗
In some cases, pets can be a great idea aswell. Not saying everyone should blindly adopt obviously, making sure you can provide the best care for your furry child is so so important and an animal should never be taken in only to be thrown out again after some months because SOMEONE didn't do any research.
Taking care of a living, breathing being can be extremely rewarding and builds responsibility in my experience. You research, invest in proper equipment and get motivated to provide a great experience for that being. All that without the downsides of sharing your space with another human. You're still independed and in full control but not alone in a bad way.
I've realized early on in my life that I need a lot of me-time so I was happy to live all on my own. Turns out with the pandemic and living far out it was too lonely even for my taste, but the thought of a stranger as a roommate stressed/weirded me out. I would've liked a dog since I grew up with them but I knew I did not have enough time for one.
I eventually adopted a 2 year old black cat, after doing a lot of research. Plus knowing I'll take care of her for the next 5..10..15 years. Perhaps more, fingers crossed.
We've been living together for 1,5 years now and I love her so much. She's very specific about how she likes things and is treated like a princess here. Pets are a lot of work, they take up time and energy and money. More than you would think. But I wouldn't give her away for anything in the world. She gives back so much love and makes me laugh a lot.
Now if you can't take care of a cat for whatever reason, perhaps a more low maintenance pet would still suit you. I've recently aquired an aquarium that is now home to 5 blue ramshorn snails and around newyears 10 blue dream neocaridina shrimp will also move in! Just watching the snails can be soo relaxing and calming. They are quite fast underwater -and coming from someone who hates bugs and all the like outside water- they are adorable. Even with seemingly simple pets like that though, you have to make sure you know about a lot beforehand. The ground, the plants, the hardscape, water parameters, temperature and who they would enjoy being roommates with. What to do in case of algae and bacteria etc. There's much to learn but the actual maintenance is rather low. Weekly water change and depending on your pets feeding them.
best and worst times of my life is EXACTLY how i feel about living alone. It was the best in so many ways but wow did I have some real lows.
So many good suggestions. I need to save this for a rewatch 😅
I started living on my own a few months ago and one of the things that happened very early on is that I fainted, got a severe concussion and broke my nose. The doctor asked me to have a person with me for 24h and that meant calling a friend at 5 in the morning to come with me to the hospital and stay by my side. Granted, it was weird AF. But also, it made me realise how much we have built society for couples.
Also, my favourite weird thing that I do often is not brushing my teeth if I am really sleepy. If it is 1 am, I just came from a dinner, I allow myself to go to sleep and tomorrow will be another day. Nobody is going to kiss me goodnight and I don't care enough. So yeah, gross, but also quite freeing.
LOOOVE these videos. Thank you, Leena!!!!
I eat cereal in the bath ✌🏼
This is super helpful! I’m hoping to move out on my own in a month or two
Perfect timing, I'm literally moving into my first apartment today
Heya just letting u know this video isn’t in your twenties toolkit playlist, and it’s personally my fav of the whole series and the one I find most helpful so if you see this I’d defs suggest adding it so more people can get this good advice ❤️❤️❤️
The ‘make sure you have a plan for when you get home if you’re sad’ literally changed my life!!! And specifically picking up ingredients to make a nice meal for myself. Absolutely genius
This couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me! I got the keys to my own place yesterday and I have no idea what to expect from living alone 😅 Interesting that I never thought about this beforehand 🤔😂
I felt so called out when you said wandering around in underwear as I was doing it... I think I'll miss being able to do that though! A low point for me was when my girlfriend came round impromptu in the early days of our relationship and discovered mouldy dishes... since lockdown though I've taken much more pride in my surroundings, perhaps because I was there all the time and it feels much nicer to myself. I like podcasts and TH-cam in the background to keep me company but I think it's probably important to plan quiet times because I've found it difficult to tolerate silence as a result.
I think I am in love with your videos and you ❤️✨