Does anyone know any good songs that actually celebrate living solo? I can only think of songs like “One is the Lonliest” or “All by myself” or “Lonely boy”. Even the pop songs that have a more positive tone to them are more “give love the finger” songs like “I will survive” or that iconic Cher dance tune ” Do you believe in life after love?” (after love, after love, after love)
Recently, on CBC radio, there were two programs that dealt with people living alone. According to last year’s census, 27.6% of households (over 3.5 million of them in Canada) have a single occupant and there are more people living alone than coupled with children. I suspect that many of you reading this blog are living solo.
Sometimes that is by choice, other times by circumstance, but the reality is that there are more people living on their own than in coupled relationships. So why is it that our society is so couple-oriented? People who live alone are stigmatized as being reclusive or lonely or waiting for that “perfect” relationship to make them whole.
Maybe some are, but I suspect that many, like me, are 100% satisfied to be independent, flexible and downright happy to be living on their own. When I was younger, I would not have imagined this would be how I might be living now, maybe because that was simply not something one aspired to in the 60’s.
My circumstance is a bit different than some. I did follow the conventional formula toward marriage and parenthood but my life changed when my wife died of cancer in her 40’s. I did have the chance to follow the societal (and biological) drives to partner and procreate. My relationship was a happy one until illness intervened. My kids now have children of their own and I enjoy being a grandfather (and watching my own kids relive some of the parenting moments that are now past for me.)
For the past 19 years, however, I have lived alone but I am seldom lonely. I do what I want when I want. I wake up and eat and go to bed whenever I feel like it. I spend my evenings doing whatever I feel like doing. I can pick up and travel at the drop of a hat. I have many interesting and energizing friends of all sorts, male and female, old and young, gay and straight, single and partnered. I am almost giddy thinking how great this is.
Many young adults today seem to be embracing the single life and deferring steady relationships until later than ever…or not at all. Mature adults may find themselves living alone because they have chosen that path or the “right person” has not come along to make a long-term bond. Or they may have tried the marriage thing, only to find it was not as satisfying as Chatelaine magazine made it out to be.
It’s time that our society acknowledges that “living solo” is a perfectly natural choice for many.
Last year, a Facebook friend posted this Rolling Stones YouTube video and commented that for some reason it reminded her of me. Was it because I am sliver-thin and dance like a Howdy Doody puppet or is it the theme? (Got to get me one of those hats.)
Addendum
In response to this I had a friend suggest this one. It fits perfectly.
johnageddes 
Great post John. I think my mother feels the same way, and we lost my dad over 17 years ago now. She’s as involved and social with a mix of friends and family as much as she wants, but has total control of her life and a great deal of purpose. I’m happy for her, and for you, that you know and trust yourself to follow what’s important to you. It’s s great example to live by.
You are awesome, and so is this article.
As a society we buy into so many ‘shoulds’; it makes you wonder who is really living their life exactly as they please, and who has given in to the pressure of ‘should’.
I feel lucky to be part of this life of yours 🙂
Reblogged this on Sage flowers and commented:
Looks like my man John Geddes wrote this several months ago, but I think it’s 1) amazing 2) epsecially apt this time of year.
Thanks for reposting this, Jen. I did actually write it, or start it, last fall but found it again today, finished it off and posted it. I guess WordPress keeps the original date. The sentiments are timeless, however. Glad to have you as one of my “interesting and energizing friends.”
I loved reading this….as one of the ‘singles’ out there, it totally struck a chord. While I still have some post-secondary aged kids hanging about, that won’t last much longer…for those of us with rich, vibrant lives, it’s a great way to be.
Those of us who do community theatre are lucky to have friends to “play” with who, I think, feel similarly. I don’t know if you saw this link on the Facebook page but it is perfect. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCCY5n2KhhI
Hi John I can only say you have an organized mind. Most of your pieces are down to earth. Well as a widow for 27 years, I have never for once thought of getting married again. All I concerned myself was and is the education of my children and from our extended family system. I am almost done and Am now occupying myself with community work at my convenience. It is nice although with children all grown up, there is a tendency to be lonely once in a while though one can visit. As our saturday nears, we must enjoy our life while we can!!!.
Thanks for your comment, Phinny. I have seen first-hand all the wonderful, loving people that you have surrounding you in your active, productive life. What a great reward for what you have put into theirs.