Bella DePaulo on Embracing Solo Living as a Lifestyle, Not a Phase
Bella DePaulo, a 71-year-old author and social psychologist, has lived alone her entire adult life—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Known for her bestselling book Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life, Bella has become a passionate voice for the joys of solo living.
“I love the complete freedom to sleep when I want and get up when I want, to eat what I want and when I want,” she told HuffPost. “Whatever I put in the refrigerator the night before is still there the next day. My place is always exactly as warm or as cool as I want it to be. And the toilet seat is always down.”
The number of women embracing this lifestyle has risen steadily over the years. In 2022, 15.7% of all households in the U.S. were made up of a woman living alone—up from just 11.5% in 1970.
Bella DePaulo on Overcoming Fear and Embracing Freedom
Bella understands that living alone isn’t for everyone. She acknowledges the financial realities that push many women to live with roommates far into adulthood. More importantly, she gets the very real fear many women carry: walking alone at night, opening the front door late, or even just existing alone in a home can feel unsafe.
But Bella urges women not to let fear block them from what she calls a “deeply fulfilling experience.”
“Don’t let fear ruin what can be a deeply fulfilling experience,” she said. “A home of your own can be comfortable, peaceful, and safe—maybe even sacred.”
Celeste Polanco on the Power of Knowing Your Neighbors
Lifestyle influencer Celeste Polanco emphasizes the value of community. Her number one tip for women living alone? Get to know your neighbors.
“Getting to know mine has made me feel so safe,” she shared. “Not only have they become great friends, but they are also extra security when I’m not home. They’re always looking out for me and I do the same for them. It’s really taught me how important community is when living alone.”
Denise Francis on Protecting Your Privacy Online
As a public figure and the founder of The Self Love Organization INC—a digital wellness space for Black women—Denise Francis has had to build strict digital boundaries.
“I don’t share the local things in my neighborhood or any landmarks,” she said. “The outside and inside of my buildings are off limits. I even ask friends and family not to geo-tag when they visit. You never know who’s watching.”
Her advice is simple: always protect your digital footprint, especially your location.
Emily Sanchez on Investing in a Security Camera
Emily Sanchez, the owner of the online plant shop Classy Casita, relies on smart home technology for peace of mind.
“Having a security camera like a Ring gives me so much peace of mind,” she said. “I can see who’s at my door, and even check in when I’m not home. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in feeling safe and aware.”
Maia Milas on the Comfort of Pets
Writer and photographer Maia Milas shares how a furry companion can bring joy and emotional security to solo living.
“Nothing is better than coming home to something cute that’s happy you’re home and relies on you,” she said.
For many women, pets are more than animals—they’re roommates, friends, and a source of daily comfort.
Living alone as a woman isn’t just an act of independence—it’s a declaration that your life, space, and choices are your own. Whether it’s building community, protecting your privacy, or creating comfort, women are showing the world that solo doesn’t mean lonely—it means empowered.
