Off Topic: What was the one thing you were most excited about when you started living alone?

When I was 17 I was working two jobs, had boxes packed with my own dishes, small appliances, etc. Even had some furniture. I was rarely at home because it didn't really feel like home. I slept there and that's about it. Needless to say, I got into my first apartment as soon as I could at 18.

I remember how great it felt getting the keys and just being in that empty apartment. For the first time I had my space. I didn't have to tip toe quietly inside late at night, or worry about waking anyone up by flushing the toilet. That first night I stayed up all night listening to music while assembling a cheap bookshelf. It was a really simple thing to do but it's honestly one of my happiest memories. I had never been able to do such a thing at home.

My apartment complex just happened to be where a lot of students from my high school moved to, so I had friends nearby. I'd just walk to another building and hang out, meet some new friends, and so on. There was always something going on. Parties happened easily. I eventually had people crashing on my floor that I didn't even know. Had girls in my bed that I barely knew. Had several 2 month "relationships" that felt like an eternity. I was broke all the time and could barely pay the rent or buy food but damn I was having a good time.

That was 22 years ago and things have sort of flipped - I have money and live comfortably but have a dismal social life.

/r/malelivingspace Thread