10 reasons to enjoy being home alone when your flatmates go away
Since the beginning of time there’s been a long-standing myth that being left home alone is a scary and depressing prospect; one that should be avoided at all costs. The mere mention of flatmates going away for the weekend is enough to cause panic in some flatsharers. News flash: it’s not that bad.
Here are 10 reasons why being * temporarily * left alone in a flatshare is actually pretty liberating...
1. You have the TV all to yourself...
In a flatshare, the struggle to find something that everyone wants to watch is real. You normally end up having to watch something that none of you are really interested in, and the whole group ends up with their faces in their phones anyway. But when your flatmates are away, the world (or at least the TV guide) is your oyster. You can binge on countless reruns of Friends, indulge in an awful 80s chick flick, maybe even dive into a Homes under the Hammer if that’s your thing (no judgement). The possibilities are truly endless...
2. You can decide what takeaway you want...
You’ve had enough curry to last a lifetime and you’ve tried every Dominoes topping going. All you want is a Chinese, but your flatmates aren’t fans. Too much MSG or something? * yawn *. Alas, when home alone, not only are you in control of the remote, you’re also in charge of the TV takeaway. Now’s your chance to devour those crispy duck pancakes you’ve so desperately been craving…
3. You can cook up a storm...
Takeaways are great, but if ever there was a time to release your inner Nigella, it’s now. Flatmates being away means you can succumb to your food-making fantasies without the fear of judgement when it inevitably goes wrong, or the guilt of hogging the kitchen. The fire alarm may be ringing, but that’s not going to stop you from getting experimental with boujee ingredients and fancy spices. Plus, there’s no need to worry about clearing up as you go along - your flatmates aren’t there to nag you - so you can just focus on whipping up that masterpiece...
4. You can play music really loudly and till really late...
No more banging on walls or passive aggressive texts from flatmates telling you to turn it down. Being home alone means your music can reach new heights (or volumes). If you want to turn your flat into a 90s rave, go crazy! At least until the neighbours pipe up...
5. You can workout in the living room...
Be honest with yourself – has it been a while since you last worked out? An empty house is your chance to get back on it, by transforming the living room into an exercise studio. All you need is some sofa shuffling and a cringey workout DVD. The best part? No one will be around to see your dripping wet face or questionable technique, so you can really go for it. Drop it!
6. You can take as long as you like in the bathroom...
The only thing worse than the excruciating pain of waiting to get into the bathroom when you’re desperate for a wee... is having to come out the bathroom, lathered in shampoo, for a person who’s desperate for a wee. Yep, shared bathrooms aren’t always great…
... But when your flatmates are away the bathroom is all yours, which means there’s plenty of time for some much needed pampering. Girls – this is your moment to indulge in a candle-lit bubble bath, and boys – it’s finally time to get out the trusty nose trimmer, don’t you think? You’re also free to sing in the shower without judgement, so go forth and ballad!
7. You can do a thorough flat clean...
Okay, it’s not the most exciting thing about being left home alone. But no flatmates means no feet in the way, so there’s never been a better time for a deep clean. Time to dust off Henry and put him to good use on that filthy kitchen floor! You’ll also probably find that when no one else is around everything actually stays clean – no more mysterious bread crumbs appearing on surfaces the second you leave the room…
8. You can have whoever you want round...
Free house? We all know what that means... * wink wink nudge nudge *
Although, chances are the only visitors you’ll actually get are your family who are finally allowed round now that the place looks acceptable (and your rowdy flatmates are out of town). But it’s still a great opportunity to become the perfect host and show off those snazzy new cooking skills you recently acquired.
9. You have time to chill and reflect...
Bit deep this one, but it’s true. Without the constant gossiping, nagging, laughing, arguing, crying, etc. that comes with housemates, you have a chance to stop and think solely about yourself. Everyone repeat after me: ommmmm...
10. You get reminded of why you love your flatmates...
Being home alone, as liberating and productive as it can be, also reminds you how great your flatmates really are. You’ll probably start to miss their funny quirks, the house meals and all those late night chats (and banter). So while you should make the most of an empty pad, it’s okay to look forward to welcoming your flatmates back with open arms... and a squeaky clean flat!