Traditions in every culture have diverse effects on individuals’ lives and living standards. In some cultures, it is customary for individuals to reside with their parents until they marry, while others value independent living before finding a life partner to learn household management. Consequently, individuals may opt for cohabitation with friends or prefer solitary living arrangements. Although there are similarities between living alone and having a flatmate, notable differences exist primarily in terms of freedom.
Living alone grants individuals the freedom to do as they please, while sharing a living space necessitates mutual respect to avoid conflicts. Actions such as walking around in underwear, playing loud music, inviting friends over late at night, or making unilateral decor changes should be avoided. Moreover, living alone affords a larger personal space compared to having a flatmate where only the bedroom is considered private and areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room are shared. Additionally, it is acceptable to leave valuable items exposed when living alone.
On the other hand, living with a roommate in an apartment can be characterized by a lack of complete trust between housemates. In fact, it may even be essential to lock one’s bedroom door when leaving. Additionally, another significant difference between living alone and having a partner is the responsibilities involved. When living alone, one must bear the burden of paying rent or bills single-handedly; however, sharing a house with someone presents an excellent opportunity from an economic standpoint. For example, all expenses, including rent, bills, and groceries are divided evenly between both parties. Moreover, living alone entails independently handling all household chores while cohabiting means benefiting from two additional helping hands.
Living alone offers convenience and freedom. For example, one can do the shopping while the other is cleaning the house. However, when living alone, one is solely responsible for all the built-up mess. On the other hand, having a flatmate means dealing with the unpleasant task of cleaning up after others. Additionally, living alone has different social impacts compared to sharing the house. It may be more suitable for free-spirited individuals, while having a housemate brings extensive convenience. For instance, the flatmate can take care of feeding the pet or watering the plants when one is absent.
By having a roommate, not only will the house remain well-maintained even during vacations, but it also eliminates the boredom of being alone. Returning to a dark and silent home is not an issue when living with someone else. One can enjoy spending quality time together, planning events, or even having someone make soup for them when they’re sick. On the contrary, living alone allows one to select enjoyable friends to be around. However, if you have a roommate, you may have to tolerate their irritating friends or their partner who never seems to leave.
To summarize, living alone and sharing a house may seem similar at first glance, but they differ greatly in terms of independence, responsibilities, and social interaction. Personally, I enjoy the peace of living alone; however, financial limitations might require having a roommate. In such instances, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines beforehand to prevent conflicts. Otherwise, if disagreements arise among housemates, there will be no evidence to support either party’s arguments.
