by Michael King

Created on: January 11, 2010

It's thing, living alone. Unfortunately many people find themselves alone at home more and more as they grow older. It's often no fault of their own either. As time goes by more and more of your friends are getting married and/or moving away; open social activities, such as pubs and clubs, tend to be shut or less appealing to anyone older then around 25.

It's a fact of life that simply has to be dealt with, and it's not such an arduous one either. Great enjoyment can be gleaned from single life at home, any teenager worth his salt will testify that that computers and television can bring far greater joy then family ever could; and to a great extent there is truth within this, computers can bring us films, gaming, the vast resources of the internet and endless days worth of shopping. Television can bring us entertainment that can distract the darkest of moods from their harmful brooding.

However, there is more to life then these boxes. Here are four of my top tips to deal with an empty house, and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way.

1. Take pride in your home. No matter what your house is like now, if you have the time and effort it could be better, short of that it will need maintaining. This, at least, is a meaningful pursuit that will take up the time, beyond that re-decorating and pride can brighten your whole living experience within your home. Just don't take the re-decoration too far.

2. Books. Everyone loves books, with no exception, if they do not, they simply haven't given the right one a proper attempt. Books are a fountain of joy, they can take you to different worlds, extend your vocabulary, sharpen your mind and in their bounty, whole evenings can disappear without even noticing. Try buying a great book, setting yourself up in bed or on a sofa, with an evening worth of drinks and snacks, if you want, and settling down to a good book. I challenge you not to love it.

3. Films. This is another one that many people claim not to like, especially my aged father, he would insist that within a shadow of a doubt that he would never enjoy a film in his life. Until one momentous christmas gift hooked him for life. Like with books, he just needed to see the right films. There is endless fun to be gained from films beyond the film itself, themed evenings are fantastic. Though I, personally, have never taken part in a "movie marathon" I can imagine how they could be a great night in, I'm sure you could too.

4. Learn to cook. Perhaps you already have, but food is as age old a comfort as heat or shelter. Try buying yourself a Delia Smith or perchance a Jamie Oliver? Make your kitchen a hectic place, even in small portions. The food may even be great at the end of it too.

These are simple, tried and tested, practices that can all be enjoyed to their fullest with just one participant. Sharing your life is great, but a bit of "me time" can be great too. Make your evenings and weekend days your own.

Learn more about this author, Michael King.
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