Myths

I just read an piece in a magazine that promised to dismiss some of the myths around people who live alone. Apparently we co-habiters consider them to be suicidal, social outcasts. In her eagerness to show us just how fantastic living alone can be, the writer created a whole new set of myths around people who live with other people. Apparently we are claustrophobic and have other people’s whims inflicted on us. We scrutinize each other. It’s impossible to imagine that I could eat what I want when I want or sit around in my underwear or, perish the thought, do a little yoga.

Firstly I wonder why the desire to dismiss myths about your own life requires you to create myths about someone elses. I also wonder why the need to dismiss myths about your own life arises at all if you are blissfully contented. I wonder why people need to persuade others about the validity of their chosen lifestyle. I wonder why people care how other people live. Lots of wondering.

I have lived alone. It didn’t particularly suit me. It was too quiet and I couldn’t be bothered to cook well just for myself. I can see that single living could suit other people though, just as living in a cave or in a tent or up a tree could. Frankly it doesn’t matter. As long as you are happy. I’m happy with my gang around me. I don’t feel “scrutinized” no matter how daft the things I’m doing may be (and it gets dafter than sitting around in my underwear).

Maybe we should all just mind our own business and get on with enjoying the way we’ve chosen to live. And let others get on with enjoying the way they’ve chosen to live. Simple.