to bloody love living alone in a quiet minimalist flat?

[LeftMyRidingCropInTheMortuary]

I'm 32 and I think I've finally cracked it. I have the lifestyle I want although it is never how I thought things would turn out.

I don't even want to live with a man again. Kids is unlikely to happen for various reason.

I've become increasingly sensitive to noise and mess as I've got older. I work in a stressful people-focussed job and treasure being able to hear myself think when I get home. I am also a control-freak and need to have my environment "just-so".

I have got rid of a lot of "stuff" over the past few years. All my books now on kindle and music on laptop. Everything admin done on-line.

Have I accidentally stumbled on the key to happiness? Peace, space & simplicity?

Or am I secretly kidding myself and want a house full of man, kids, dogs and family stuff?!

Just musing this over whilst my friends socialise tonight and I lie on the couch listening to the swoosh of the dishwasher.

[fourtothedozen]

Whatever floats your boat.

Who are we to judge.

Long may your perfect life continue.

[SheepishWoolf]

I think you have the key to happiness - having your life just as you want it You might meet an adorable Labrador with a fit bloke attached at some point but for now lie back and enjoy!!

[Suefla62]

Sounds like heaven.

[tomatodizzymum]

If you like we can swap for a week! I promise you, one day in my house full of man, kids, dog, cat and sometimes the occasional chicken, you'll be crying to go back to your peace. It's fairly minimalist though, I don't like clutter.

I think everyone gets used to what they have and being happy with what you have is the best way to be.

[pictish]

Yanbu. Glad you're so content.
My own home is a midden of shite littered with toys, clothes, papers and shoes atm. Your flat sounds lovely.

[ThatBloodyWoman]

Yanbu.
There's a lot to be said for solitude.

[ThatBloodyWoman]

My house is the same as yours tomato - but with the clutter.

[mrsdavidbowie]

I love peace and minimalism.
One less when dd goes to uni...just me and DS then.

[BrucieTheShark]

[LeftMyRidingCropInTheMortuary]

Oh dear, Brucie! (Laughs!)

I also really enjoy not being asked questions all the time. Answering to no-one - "where are you going", "how much did that cost", "what's for dinner". ??? No-one is take, take, taking my energy so I can recharge from the drain at work.

I can work late without worrying about phoning home.

I can have the TV OFF for days on end.

The bathroom is always free.

BUT BUT BUT - I do want to get a cat - see separate thread!

[thenightsky]

Sounds perfect OP. I strive daily for minimal living.

[trashcanjunkie]

Sounds very perfect, although I'd want an adjoining shit tip for all the dcs, man and cats n dogs.

I dream of clean skirting boards.

I'm house sitting in a massive ramshackle place for two weeks, and have only got dcs half the time. I'm finally cleaning the skirting boards finishing the decorating in our little flat whilst it's empty. When I get there it's so bloody serene and lush!

Yadnbu

[Devora]

It sounds like heaven!

I would get that cat, though.

[ThomasRichard]

That is how I look forward to living when the DC have left home.

[LeftMyRidingCropInTheMortuary]

I have a lovely cordless vacuum cleaner that I use for skirting boards! Or sometimes I wrap of those fragranced "dust-magnet" dusters round my finger and get down on my belly and swipe! Sooo satisfying!

I also think the other secret to happiness is to realise that going out clubbing and drinking is not usually as good as watching boxsets in your PJs!

[WaitingForMe]

I think the key to happiness is working out what makes you happy and having the confidence to go for it.

I was an ambitious over achiever and on his death bed my stepdad said its ok to just make a family if that's what you want. I passed up a big opportunity and moved in with my boyfriend and his two kids. Best decision ever but if your happy is quiet and solitude then fight with everything you have to defend your space!

[VivaLeBeaver]

Sounds like bliss.

[lemonade30]

you sound like the antithesis of me OP

as long as you're completely content and at peace with your life then crack on I say!

I shan't pretend to understand you at all but that shouldn't matter to you one little bit.

[Glittery7]

Not unreasonable. It sounds perfect. I have high stress and anxiety levels created by a lazy, messy DP and similar children and step children. I blame them on my mental health issues.

[seaoflove]

Sounds glorious!

[badooby]

I'm quite a lot older than you OP but I've found I get more and more sensitive to noise as I get older and have an almost physical need for silence (well, near-silence). Never watch telly and increasingly don't have the radio or music on either. I feel sooo much calmer for it. And there isn't much to beat coming home to a house that is exactly the way you left it.

I think living with other adults is really difficult if you're a bit of a control freak

[LeftMyRidingCropInTheMortuary]

Thanks guys! I also enjoy having the windows open and a lovely fresh breeze!

My nightmare, y'see would involve a big, hairy, smelly licky dog on a sofa, surrounded by whiny children watching loud cartoons and a hoarder of a man who owned lots of ugly technology comprising mangled cables covered in dust.

SHUDDERS!

[FelixFelix]

It sounds glorious. One of my best friends is in her late 30's and sounds exactly the same as you. I'm so jealous of her sometimes She has a beautiful apartment which is clutter free and just lovely. It's so peaceful.