Why more people are choosing to live alone

There was a time when living alone was considered unusual, something people did only when they had no other choice. It was primarily linked to old age, divorce, sadness or being left behind. But today, the idea is changing fast. Many people, especially students, working professionals, divorced, widowed, even single individuals, around the world are also choosing to live on their own. Some are forced to do it because of college or work. Others choose it because they enjoy the freedom it brings. Either way, solo living is gaining popularity as it allows one to grow, heal, or truly be themselves.

Global and local trends

Across the world, the idea of solo living is getting popular. In the United States, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2023 that 29% of all households are single-person households, compared to just 13% in 1960. According to the Office for National Statistics in the UK, over 8 million people live alone.

Even in countries like Bangladesh or India, where joint families were once the norm, individuals are now leaning towards solo living. A study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in Dhaka found that people, especially students and young professionals, are renting single-bedroom flats or studio apartments.

There are many reasons why people are living alone today. Some may choose it, while others are forced to live alone due to specific circumstances, such as relocating to study or pursuing a job.

Higher education and job relocation

Many students relocate to other cities after being accepted into public or private universities. If there is no hostel available or it is full, students rent a mess, sublet a room, or a single-bedroom apartment.

The same applies to working professionals who relocate from rural or smaller cities in search of employment opportunities.

A study by Md. Salman Sohel and colleagues emphasise that rural-urban migration is a significant factor in Dhaka's urbanisation, driven by the pursuit of education and employment opportunities.

Changing priorities

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the average age of marriage has increased over the past two decades. More people are focusing on careers, financial stability, and personal growth before settling down. This creates a growing group of adults living alone during this period.

Need for freedom and mental peace

Living with extended families or with roommates can be stressful for some. Many people prefer to have a place where they can relax, work, or study in peace. Mental health awareness is slowly increasing in Bangladesh, especially among young adults. Sometimes, in larger families, people are bullied, harassed, or pressured into living in a certain way. Abir Imtiaz, a third-year student from a renowned private university, had chosen to live alone, as he said it was for his "sanity."

"Living alone helped me to focus more on myself, what I want in life and what I don't, which I did not get from my large family living in Dhaka's other part, "said Abir.

In Western countries, it's common for young adults to move out of their parents' homes and live independently. It is seen as a regular part of being an adult.

But in South Asian culture, especially Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, people live with their parents until marriage. Sometimes, even after marriage. That is why living alone often seems unusual and rebellious in this part of the world. Still, more people are seeking independence, and the mindset is slowly changing.

The other side of solo living

Solo living brings freedom. You can plan your day as you wish. What to eat, when to sleep, how to decorate your room and many more. It also helps to develop real-life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and time management.

A blog by Harvard Health Publishing states that people who live alone but remain socially active often feel less stress and enjoy greater control over their lives than those in toxic shared living situations.

Japanese minimalist Fumio Sasaki, who lives alone, writes in Goodbye, Things, "Living with only the bare essentials has not only provided superficial benefits such as the pleasure of a tidy room or the simple ease of cleaning, it has also led to a more fundamental shift. It's given me a chance to think about what it means to be happy."

Echoing Fumio Sasaki, Tanisha Alam, a university student, says, "When I moved to Dhaka for university, the environment of hall and mess didn't attract me at all, so I had no choice but to live alone. At first, it felt lonely, but now I enjoy the freedom. I have learned to manage my own time and space, something I couldn't do back home."

Arif Mahmud, 29, a marketing executive, says, "When I moved to Chattogram, my family told me to stay with my relatives, but I didn't want to burden anyone. I want to live independently without having to justify every action. So, I rented a 2-bedroom apartment with one of my colleagues. Living alone makes me realise how much I love and miss my family; it also makes me stronger both emotionally and professionally."

Challenges of living alone

Living alone brings numerous benefits and joy. Still, it also has some downsides. People may feel lonely on weekends and festivals, where fathers and sons pray Jummah together, or families gather to eat their go-to dishes, such as polao mango or biriyani. Or when someone is sick. During their sickness, they have no one by their side to take care of them.

People may feel the need for another person when they are feeling down. But they have to return to an empty house where no one is listening to their agony.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), loneliness has become a significant issue, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, living alone is more expensive. You are responsible for paying all the bills yourself. Safety is another concern, particularly for women and elderly individuals.

Sadia Afrin, a freelancer, says, "Though living alone brings me peace, I have to stay alert all the time. Sometimes, I put a man's shoe in my doorway or play a man's voice on television to make people think that there is a man in the house."

Living alone is no longer just a phase; it has become a regular part of many people's lives. Some may choose it, others have no choice. Either way, it shows how society is changing. Living alone doesn't always mean being lonely. For many, it means having the freedom to live in their way. It takes strength to handle life on your own.

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