The case for having roommates (even when you can afford to live alone)
I’ve enjoyed living communally for more than a decade now. But every so often I have one of those days where I long for a place where I can sing in the shower at any hour, leave dishes in the sink, and walk around in whatever state of undress suits me. I wonder whether I might be more productive if I came home to a peaceful, empty apartment.
And of course, society in general - and my father in particular - asks when I’m going to ‘grow up’ and get my own place.
So when an opportunity came to sublet my friend’s one bedroom apartment in New York City last summer, I figured it was time to try living alone.
My friend’s apartment was a dream. Soft light, great views, tasteful mid-century modern furniture. I moved in on an afternoon in June and picked up some vegetables to make myself a basic curry.
As I started cooking, I realized I was missing most of the ingredients I needed. Subconsciously I’d just assumed any home would already have avocado, olive, and coconut oil; ten basic spices; honey, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, miso, and almond butter. A big community house kitchen has dozens of spices, oils, and sauces that have been bought over the months, and it’s continuously being replenished.
