(One) that I’m not solitary. I have my cat and
my social media. (Two) There are days when
I can slob around in pyjamas as long as I like.
(Three) I get to spend my money just as I choose –
and if I choose unwisely, at least I don’t have to
feel upset on someone else’s behalf as well. (Four) No
disagreements, or compromises, about whatever
to watch on TV. (Five) Eating just what, and when, my
whim decrees. (Six) Indulging only my own taste in
pictures and decor. (Seven) Fewer interruptions when
I’m writing – though there’s always the cat, and the
internet, of course. (Eight) No problem clinging to
my own unchallenged opinions – which may or may not
be a benefit, but I like it anyway. (Nine) I can chuck out
anything I want to, on the rare occasions I declutter.
(Ten) I’ve got the whole bed to myself – well, except,
sometimes, for the cat. (Eleven) I can choose when to
get up, and – even more important – when (if ever, lol)
to retire for the night. (Twelve) I’m not constrained
by someone else’s fear of my appearing openly witchy.
(Thirteen) I can spend whole days, or even whole
weeks, reading and reading and reading ...
Written for Thursday Thirteen, May 11, 2023, and shared with Poets and Storytellers United at Friday Writings #77.
Those sound true to me - I have a husband, and I do defer to him on some things. He has to go to bed at 10 p.m. and won't go without me, for instance. So while our sleeping hours may suit him, they don't suit me. Nice to see you back on Thursday 13!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll try to remember to participate more often.
DeleteThe list is appealing to me. I just came off a week of being on my own. It can get old but then... all these perks.
ReplyDeleteWell, there are pros and cons either way. I would have preferred that my husband stay healthy and alive, and never mind the compromises in fitting our lives together – but as that was not to be, might as well enjoy what is.
DeleteThis seems like a good attitude to have
Delete*Smile*.
DeleteI live alone, too, and appreciate all the finer points you shared.
ReplyDeleteIt does have its compensations! (Plus, I've always been a bit of a natural hermit.)
DeleteSeven and thirteen... oh yes.. though I must confess I am my worst interruption! Always too much going on inside my head! But, absolute quiet is a different kind of party!!
ReplyDelete*Grin*.
DeleteRosemary, you are organized!! Thank you, living alone is okay, sometimes fun.
ReplyDelete(One) I lived solitary two years while in college, three while working at the Elgin National Watch Factory -- no problems, I lived in rented rooms, several different, no TV, no Pets, no Social Media (it wasn't invented yet).
(Two) Then after 14 years I became single for three more years. I had an apartment, had TV, still no Pets (I did have a motorcycle that I kept in the kitchen).
(Three) IF I become single again after 51 years with a mate I won't live in this big house, instead it will be a small apartment in a Senior Living place (or Assited living or nursing home, depends). No Pets.
Those three years in Two were pure fun. I had a good job, mingled with the singles, hippies, and motorcycle groups, when off. And went back to college to get three degrees.
I think you might like living in a Senior Living place, meals, house keeping, some washing, companionship if and when desired. I have one picked out. Mrs. Jim would come too if she were still living.
..
Thanks, Jim. I already get help with housekeeping, and I confess I would sometimes like someone else to cook for me – but the thought of one of the places you describe horrifies me! I am already in a unit, and would not want less space; also I like having neighbours of all different ages. I dislike rules and regimentation. I would rather hope that if I get too decrepit to take good care of myself, I could get the kind of assistance which would allow me to still live at home. It does exist here.
DeleteSolitary but never alone when you are lucky enough to enjoy your own company ... and occasionally the company of others. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteIt sounds like a good life Rosemary. My favourite bit is having a housekeeper....I need one of those ! Rall
ReplyDeleteI do experience it as a good life; blessed in fact. As an Age Pensioner with some chronic health conditions, I qualified for government help with the housekeeping. It's only fortnightly and they don't do everything, but they take care of the heavier and most essential tasks, which is a big help.
DeleteMy introverted self likes this list...but 4 kids, a wife, dogs...
DeleteBeing an introvert is a big help if one must be solitary! (I have done the kids and dogs thing in the past, not to mention always at least one cat, and would not want to have been without that experience in its time.)
Deletei read above that you would gladly share life with your husband if the cards had been dealt, however, you are making the best of it. Covid really wasn't that hard on me as all but one of my six kids came home to live and i have all my hobbies that keep me very busy. I also was lucky to have a horse and the barn never closed ... We were mostly outside obviously! Good for you to stay content and happy. Some people really don't know how!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a good life even during the worst of COVID. It sounds as if you too would have found ways to make the best of it, whatever.
DeleteLOL, I love my family, but less writing interruptions sounds heavenly right now!
ReplyDeleteI remember a time when I couldn't even go to the toilet without my own kids, several neighbourhood kids, plus my dog and cat all trying to follow me in.
DeleteI think I won't find solitary living strange, and at least I still have a family though we may not agree on many things. And I still have my poetry and video games. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I think you have the inner resources to cope!
DeleteI love your candid observations, each and every one. I cannot imagine life without my housemate, my special needs son who is high functioning and has held a full time job (the eighteen years we have lived in Oregon) He is recognized most every place we travel in town and has been recognized in the Portland Oregon airport three hours away several times plus once in Las Vegas, believe it or not. All customers at his store. Carl is my rock, I am his. We have planned for his future when Mom is no longer around which comforts me greatly. Thanks so much for the flattering comment on my Martha post. No touch-ups suits me just fine.
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely to know, Helen, about your son!
DeleteI love this one. You are like me. I hate to be dictated.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, so true!
Delete