Alone, but Not Lonely: 8 Ways to Love Your New Apartment After Sharing a Home

After years of living with family, roommates or a significant other, you're now flying solo, either by choice or by circumstance. You're in good company: according to Pew Research Center, 42% of U.S. adults are living without a partner, and one-third of those live alone.

Living alone doesn't have to mean being lonely. Here are some helpful tips to make your Springs luxury apartment home your personal palace.

Be Your Own Interior Decorator

One of the joys of living on your own is not having to compromise on apartment decor. Pull out that animal print area rug your ex hated! Hang up those funky modern art prints your parents couldn't stand! The only rules you have to follow are your own.

Turn Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary

Why wait for someone else to pamper you? Make your bedroom into a private retreat where you can relax and get away from the rest of the world. Buy the highest thread-count sheets you can afford, add candles and scented oils and put plush area rugs alongside your bed.

Your Cell Phone Is Not a Lifeline

It's all too easy to get caught up spending hours surfing social media, with one of two results: you'll have a false sense of "being connected" or you'll feel like everyone but you is having fun. Instead, spend that time enjoying your own company or getting involved in the community by attending resident events throughout the year.

Become Self-Reliant

What do you do when Dad's not there to unclog a drain or fix a running toilet? You learn to take care of it yourself. Our 24/7 maintenance staff is on hand to back you up on the big stuff, but you'll get a tremendous sense of satisfaction knowing you can handle basic repairs.

Be Choosy

When you live with others, you can't always control who walks through the front door and how long they’ll stay. Now any guests will be those you invite, and their visits are as long or as short as you choose.

Rescue a Pet

Dogs and cats are uncomplicated roommates who offer unconditional love. This could be the best medicine, especially if you're coming off of a painful split. Are your tastes a bit more exotic? Our pet-friendly Springs communities welcome iguanas, ferrets and a wide variety of less common animals.

Plan Solo "Date Nights"

If you wait for a companion to see a new hit movie or check out that great Italian restaurant you've heard so much about, you'll miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences. You might even find that it's easier to interact with others when you're not "tied down."

Reassess Your Priorities

Are you living alone after a breakup with a spouse or significant other? Take some time to reflect on what went wrong as well as what went right and decide what you want to do differently in your next relationship. Of course, you may end up falling in love with the single life!

What's your favorite part of living solo? Let us know in the comments!