I enjoyed the article and that is a terrific photo of you, too.

I should have edited my last comment. I meant "good-old-fashioned" teas....

The new photo of you is wonderful!

I didn't have time to comment yesterday, but I did have thoughts -- more time today so you get them now.

I live happily with my partner of over 30 years and the tenor of our living together has lot in common with some of your descriptions of the pleasures of living alone. We don't close bathroom doors either. We have periods of not even pretending to keeping up household appearances when we are both engaged in intense work. We've been known to turn to each other and say: "we live like 8 year-olds left in a house by absent parents."

All this is fine. I personally need a lot of alone time and she needs more and more -- and it is probably critical to our happiness that we've learned to take that alone time when we are physically in the same space and even sometimes carrying on life's necessities like the dishes and the laundry.

I feel very lucky.

I'm a widow of six years this month. While I loved my late husband greatly, there were times during our marriage I needed alone time. I think, since my husband was an extrovert, it was difficult to accept at first, but we both adapted. And we neither wanted children.

A couple years after he died, I dated a bit - met one fantastic gentleman. But when he began to hint about living together and/or marriage, I ended the relationship, though we still keep in touch via the internet. I am fairly sure I'll never have another romantic, live-in situation; I cherish living alone. I'm more of an introvert, a writer, so this suits me well.

However, I do have family nearby, and also love their visits and interactions. Especially my ten-year-old grand niece, who visits almost daily. Indeed though, when the company leaves I'm glad for my solitude.

At 60, I think I have a wonderful life without a lot of the stress related to a full-time job and/or live-in relationship. I do have a few quirks, but none I necessarily didn't have before my husband died. The best part of living alone: the freedom to be myself and have my pets, my time to do as I wish.

My biggest fear is becoming either too ill or too frail to care for myself; I've always been independent.

Funny on the bathroom door bothering the lady. I don't close mine when nobody is here and do when someone is around-- unless my cat pushes it open as I rarely close it hard-- and never have at any age. When by yourself, what is the point of a closed bathroom door?

I've never lived alone for more than the trips my husband would be gone or when I would sometimes be in Tucson by myself when he was still working. I think it's something I missed but I didn't see it as important back when I made the choice to leave my parents' home for one I would be putting together with my husband. Now I really recommend young people get some years on their own. I might someday have that or maybe it'll be my husband who will depending on who dies first. I enjoy the living with him though ad we both have our own things we do; so not together 24-7. Still it'd be different to not have someone living here. If I lost my husband, I don't know if I'd want a new mate or not. As you said, it might not be possible whatever I wanted.

My 90 year old father, single for the first time after a loving marriage of 67 years, feels so lonely. And he is so eager to have one of his many women friends be open to romance and marriage. I think I would be different were I in his shoes. But I'm not, so I really don't know. I'm 61, happily married for 12 years, but I spent almost a decade as a single parent between a first and second marriage. I'm very glad for those years because I know that I can have a full and happy life as a single woman. The scary part for me would be health -- physical and emotional, if my husband, 13 years older than I, were to die first. I like to think I'm doing the same thing now as I would as a single person: enjoying my friends, giving back to the community, and staying healthy as best I can. Actually, my new relationship with the elderblogging community is emerging as a rewarding part of my life whether I'm single or married. thank you for this post.

I've spent about half of my adult life living alone. I'm happy to have had two husbands (divorced from the first and widowed by the second), and I'm also happy to have had a lot of years being on my own. At age 70, I'm not interested in marrying again and prefer to spend my time MY way.

At age 95, my mother has been living alone for more than 17 years. She and my dad were married for 53 years; after his death, she adapted quickly to being by herself. She is amazing and a great role model for us "youngsters."

I also love your picture, having visited you once, it is seems so like you, full of life. I am living alone. 95% of the time I am content. I've been divorced from my second husband of 7 years for a year and a half now. We married after my living alone for 10 years. He was a nightmare for me and I am very happy to be alone again. We never could make it work. Two people too used to living their owns lives maybe, who knows. I have a very full life and leave the bathroom door open also. And so does my son who is single and lives alone and is much younger. I asked. So do many of the family members I asked except when engaged in more personal things like bathing or trying to shut one of your siblings out. I imagine entering their teens will cause the grands to shut the doors more often.

I'm 68 and have always been a shy introvert despite two marriages and a career. Now I finally have the one thing I never had - solitude. I feel I earned it, and if more social types think I'm "quirky," so be it. I dread someday becoming dependent and having to be around people again but in the meantime I'm fortunate to be living the way I want to - with no pressure, no stress, and no deadlines.

Apparently many of us have a need for alone time. I am also one of those. I will be 76 next month and it occurs to me that I have never had a time when I was not responsible to parents, children, spouse, or partner. Fortunately my partner of over 40 years is also an introvert with little need for socialization. Still, he is not in good health and I have always thought that I would be alone at the end of the road. As an only child, I lost both parents by the time I was 12 so have had many years to adjust to not having family to depend on. Still, I do have children close by, a handful of close friends, my four footed buddies, and my blog friends even though I mostly lurk without commenting. My biggest fear is becoming dependent on others. Well, the future will bring what it does and I will figure it out as I have all the other challenges of life.

What a winning smile. I hope since we both live on the west coast our paths might cross someday. As to living alone, I've done it but preferred being married now, but if that changes well that's life. I'll just face things as they arise and hopefully with a smile.

This post reminds me of a book I’ve not yet read, but heard about--Eric Klinenberg, "Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone".

I believe it states that more people are living alone than ever before and much of it depends on their financial situation.

Many times people would rather live alone, but are forced to live with relatives/friends due to financial necessity.

Great picture!!

To each his/her own, some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it alone, some not -- do like your new photo. -- barbara

My husband is an introverted scientist who is very easy to be around. We've been married for 47 years and brought up two daughters. Neither of us spends much time in the bathroom!
But we don't sleep together. My husband is a restless sleeper and a LOUD snorer.
I think a problem is that people want ideal roommates, and none such exist.

I've lived alone for most of the time since 1975. Now I would have it no other way. I don't close the bathroom door either--why would I? My cat would howl outside the door if I did! I enjoy my own company far more than I enjoy sharing. I've tried it. I've learned the hard way that I am good at living alone and being able to do things my way, at my own time.

I don't think I will have a problem living alone should my wife pass on before I do. In fact I would likely relish it.

I've lived alone for twenty years and can honestly say I've never been lonely. I, like you Ronnie, crave quiet. My job as an itinerant special ed teacher has me on the go, literally, all day long, driving from one place to another. So when I come home in the evening I am so ready to be still in the quiet. I am grateful of no demands on me other than to walk the dog, which in itself is relaxing to me, and feed the cats. I have habits just like everyone else and don't consider them quirky, like not showering on the week ends unless I have to go out. What's quirky about that. I don't close the bathroom door unless I have guests. I love living alone, I relish my quiet weekends, hanging out in my pajamas or sweats and not having to plan meals or entertain someone. I've lived with both men and women and don't like the unpredictability of their energy (I lived with a girlfriend who partied every weekend and a boyfriend that I lived with for seven years who would berate me because all I wanted to do was relax after a busy day and not go out and have cocktails). So let "them" say what they will about those of us who think nothing of living alone. I say I cherish it.

BTW great photo Ronnie.

Yes, Flora. In answer to your question. I live alone and talk to myself all the time. Some pretty good conversation and hardly ever an argument.

I'm so happy to see all these responses. Have always needed big chunks of solitude and felt guilty about my lack of socialibility. Now I see I have lots of company. It's nice to be in style for a change.

Charlotte D

Love the new picture! It's pretty late to be posting any further comments on today'post--so I won't.

It's nice to read this site and comments after reading the NYT article.

I've lived alone since a divorce in 1995.

Although there are things I miss about marriage, I have come to relish living alone. My sister urges me to live closer to family members for health and age reasons - I'm 69 - but the work of moving after living in one place for so long seems overwhelming. I have a cabin where I spend the summer hiking and also visit my family members.

It would be so difficult to find another mate close enough to my liberal politics and generic non-belief in any religion that it's not worth the effort. (I live in the conservative West.)

I eat well, exercise well, and pursue my own interests in my own time. Would be nice to see family members more often and may find a way to move closer, as I love them all. But I do so enjoy my solitude.

Have enjoyed reading the comments.

I had never lived alone until I became a widow in 2007 so it was very different for me. After about six months, however, I realized I loved it and now would have it no other way. I have been married four times and it just occurred to me that maybe it's because I'm too selfish of my time. Huh. Anyway, I love the new pic and I don't shut the bathroom door because my boxer, Emmy, would tear it down thinking I'm in there eating.

I haven't lived alone since I was in my 20's and I hated it then. Since that time I've been in a long term marriage, then divorced and immediately sought roommates. At the time, I believed it to be out of financial need but realize now that I was, and remain, a deeply social person but not in the usual sense. I probably lived in a tribe in another life and crave and enjoy the awareness that others are near. To this day (for 23 years) I continue to share my house with others and for the most part consider myself to be far richer for the experience because many of my housemates have shared their lives, families, and interests with me. How great is that?

I am sitting here in my rattist sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants enjoying the last of my tea because I live alone. I have a dog who wiggles her ears and sticks out her tongue on command because I live alone. I have a crazy looking rug on my floor because I live alone. I love living alone because I can indulge in many odd, selfish little things and it makes it easier for me as a teacher to extend understanding to the children I see everyday and their odd little quirks.

Looking good Ronni. I'm an only child and have always had this wanderlust thing going on. One thing I totally enjoy - my own company.

Not to say there is anything wrong with those who find living alone stressful.

But for me, I like people to visit after daylight and leave before dark.

I love hosting dinner parties, going to restaurants and having long two hour conversations with my women friends...but when it's over, I need time to re-energize.

Now that I'm in my late 50's, I'm having this wonderful relationship with the "older woman" I've become.

There are new things that happen to my body that simply amaze me. My face is gorgeous with it's little lines. How can I not like being with me - I'm an interesting woman to be around.

I find my writing takes on more depth and meaning. Somewhere I've learned a few lessons, and left regrets behind.

I don't get lonely without the constant chatter or invasion of other people.

When I read the article, I felt a bit insulted. It's as if once you live alone for more than a week without a sexual partner, you've grown 3 heads and collect dust bunnies.

Will I get lonely the older I get? Who knows. And if anyone doesn't like my looks or how I live my life from here on - suck eggs. I really don't care:)

We live with others for more than just company. They say two can live as cheaply as one, so there are economic benefits, but the main benefit is help when you need it, usually in the event of illness or injury. Without the extended family, we depend more on institutions, so to live alone comfortably, you need resources (mainly money) and good friends to help when needed.

I lost my husband and have lived alone for six years now. I had two relationships since then. One for one year and the other on and off for two years. I enjoyed the companionship. I am an artist and that takes a lot of my time. I also volunteer at an art museum. I do not know what the future holds. I hope to remain healthy and to have excitement for my life. I do feel lonely at times. It is harder for me to motivate myself to exercise but I am working on that. I do not have children and my immediate family and nieces and nephews live far away. My biggest concern is being too isolated at times. I also talk both to myself and to my dog and leave the bathroom door open unless I have visitors.