Living alone is a luxury so many people dream about. You get to decorate exactly how you want, enjoy your own peace and quiet, and never worry about loud or messy roommates. And if you feel like being the messy one for once? No one’s there to judge. It’s hard not to love that kind of freedom.
At the same time, having the place to yourself can come with a few worries, too. When you’re the only one at home, the world can feel a bit more unpredictable, and that can be unsettling. That’s why women on Reddit shared their smartest precautions and practical tips for feeling more protected when you’re on your own. Scroll down to read their advice.
Get out and about as much as you can. Even alone I feel less lonely walking around and going places.
I recommend trying to go out to 1-2 events by yourself a week within the hobbies you like. It’s helped my social life tremendously because eventually you start to make friends with people. Whether it’s free jazz at the MCA, free house music at a street fest, a bike ride with a local group, anything your heart desires, there’s probably something you can do to participate in it!
Try to avoid living in a basement, garden or first floor apartment, I feel like you have a better chance of not having your apartment broken into if you live on the second floor or higher. Other than that, just be vigilant and use common sense. Chicago really isn’t as dangerous as it’s made out to be.
I genuinely think I do not need them but I have door security bars (those poles you put under your doorknob) for peace of mind. I like them also when I know a maintenance person might be coming and I have an irrational fear of them coming in while I’m in the shower or asleep. Be aware of your surroundings, I know the neighbors in my building and the closest large intersections and cross streets. I love living alone.
Not really woman-specific advice but leave a copy of your keys with a friend. You can get a copy made of the fobs at a hardware store (tho it’s expensive af.) Leave your apartment at least once a day, even if it’s just for a little errand like getting your coffee, mani/pedi, or just puttering around. My sister and I both live alone in different parts of the country and we call it taking “enrichment walks” and text each other pics of things we find interesting. We also do a lot of coordinating watching movies/TV and chatting over text.
Be prepared for a lot of inconvenience in acquiring or assembling furniture if you need to, I usually just hire someone (and then hire a second someone to fix it if necessary 🙃).
Here’s what I wish I’d known: You need to commit to making friends and being involved in Chicago. Join stuff, attend stuff, volunteer, etc. You can’t just be The Remote Friend in your old life. Really though, living alone rocks and is highly addictive because you get to do absolutely everything your own way, it’s just the loneliness of being distant from friends and family is horrible.
And yes, you deserve to get excited! Chicago is my favorite city in the world, I hope you will be very happy here. Welcome ❤️.
Make your apartment into your oasis.
There’s always free things to do in Chicago, especially in the summer. Get out and walk around!
You do not have to be polite to men on the street who try to stop and talk to you. It took me until I was 17 to learn this, and now I am way more insistent that they don’t stop me, and we don’t need to talk.
Go for a walk on your neighborhoods garbage day, that’s when I find all my best second-hand finds. I once found a velvet chesterfield couch…just on the side of the road. It had two broken feet. I just replaced them and now it’s my favorite piece.
Friend of mine has a giant dog (100lb+ pyrenees). he’s the most gentle thing, but when he barks, it scares the poo out of people lol.
she has no problem walking out and about at odd hours of the night as long as the dog is with her.
I’ve been living on my own for about two months in the city. If you can find a building that is locked front and back, basically only the people that live there can access inside of the building, that’s made me feel so safe. My front and back door both have dead bolt locks so that helps too. Also I second getting out – go for walks, volunteer, or join an activity.
I lived alone in the city for over 10 years and it was the BEST time of my life. Do you. Work out at home. Do arts and crafts. Decorate how you wish. Host dinner parties. Host girls nights. Game nights. Cook and cook for yourself. Learn to be comfortable on your own, in silence. Sleep in. Enjoy the silences. Enjoy you. Go out when you need connection or invite those closest to you into your beautiful nest. Kick them out when you want too!