A near-miss with a bathroom accident had me reflecting on the pros and cons of living alone. My friend, Abiodun, who lives far away covering risky stories in Sokoto, texted me about slipping in his bathroom. Thankfully, he was okay, but it sparked a conversation about the dangers of living solo.
We, like many young adults, embraced the idea of living alone. It's freedom personified: decorate how you like, eat on your own schedule, and maybe even walk around naked (though that's not for everyone!).
But Abiodun's experience highlighted the vulnerability. What if the shattered glass had caused serious injury? Stories of people dying alone due to accidents or health emergencies echoed in my mind.
Living alone teaches self-reliance, but there's no denying the value of having someone nearby. It doesn't have to be family; good neighbors or friends in the area can be a lifeline.
While I believe experiencing solo living is valuable, it shouldn't translate to being truly alone. We all need a support system, someone to call on physically or emotionally when things go wrong.
So the message? Live alone if you want, but don't forget to build a network of support. In essence, enjoy your independence, but don't isolate yourself completely.