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The Art of Living Alone and Loving It summary
Jane Mathews
Your inspirational toolkit for a whole and happy life
22 mins
Brief summary
'The Art of Living Alone and Loving It' by Jane Mathews is a guide on how to thrive in solitude. It explores the joys and challenges of living alone and provides practical tips for embracing solo living while still cultivating relationships and a fulfilling life.
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The Art of Living Alone and Loving It
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Key idea 1 of 8
Don’t let the stigma around living alone stop you from making the most of it.
Few people choose to live on their own. More often than not, it’s a situation people unexpectedly find themselves in. That was certainly true for author Jane Mathews, whose life alone began after she and her husband split up.
Initially, she didn’t enjoy it. It seemed as though society was designed for couples and families. Everything from meeting friends to cooking for herself or eating out became different when she lived alone. Even in the books and movies she consumed, single women were often looked down on.
But, Mathews eventually found that living alone doesn’t have to be a negative experience. By properly taking control of the situation, she turned it into something joyous and fulfilling. And so can you!
The key message here is: Don’t let the stigma around living alone stop you from making the most of it.
If you live alone, it’s important to remember that while you’re a “soloist” in a literal sense, in another, you’re not alone at all. In fact, you’re part of a rapidly growing demographic of almost 300 million people around the world who are living alone these days, and the number keeps growing! In Australia, the author’s home country, it has been predicted that by 2026 there will be more single households than traditional families.
Yet, experience has shown that for many who live alone, it can still feel like you’re somehow doing it wrong. Everything, from portions of food to restaurant tables and holidays, seems to be targeted at groups of two or more people. Plus, being on your own may affect your social standing – as some friends might struggle with knowing how to treat the new, single you.
There’s no denying that living alone isn’t easy. But with the right frame of mind, it can become something to enjoy. Having once resented her situation, Mathews now relishes it. In fact, she now prefers living by herself. Or rather, as she puts it, living with herself.
So how can you turn living with yourself into a positive experience? You’ll find out in the next few blinks.
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What is The Art of Living Alone and Loving It about?
The Art of Living Alone and Loving It (2018) is a guide explaining how to embrace a life on your own through positive thinking and a proactive mindset. By confronting your situation head-on, you can turn living alone into an enriching and joyous experience.
Best quote from The Art of Living Alone and Loving It
I now love living alone, and I am very good at it. Blimey. I never saw that coming.
—Jane Mathews
Who should read The Art of Living Alone and Loving It?
- Women who are thinking about living alone
- Single women looking to make the most out of life
- Recent divorcees or widows
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