More of us are living on our own...

In a recent report, the Office for National Statistics said the number of people living alone has risen by nearly 10 per cent in the last decade:

• Half of people over 50 live alone.
• The proportion of people living alone increases with age.
• Between the ages of 35 and 49 men were more likely than women to live alone - possibly because any children tend to live with their mother after a separation.
• After the age of 65 the majority of those on their own were women - we do tend to outlive men, even in this day and age!
• The figures don’t necessarily mean all these people are single - just unwilling to move in with a new partner after perhaps already going through a divorce.

Which gets me thinking about the advantages of living alone….

• Eat what you want when you want.  Ice-cream for breakfast?  There’s no-one to tell you it’s wrong.  Is it wrong?
• No need to wash your hair/put your make-up on if you’re not going out.  Although, of course, that will guarantee it’s the day the gorgeous neighbour will pop round.
• Watch what you want on the telly.  No more football!
• Shopping for food is simpler - you just buy what you like.
• No more smelly socks on the floor.  Unless their yours, and that’s different.
• Paint everything pink.  Or blue.  Or green.  You get to choose!

And if you’re living alone this Christmas you can decorate the tree your way, you won’t have those family arguments, tussles over the remote control or turkey until Twelfth Night, and you can stay in your pyjamas all day.  Enjoy!