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Embracing Solitude: My Life in a Tiny House

Living in a tiny house often prompts the question: Do I ever get lonely? It’s a fair inquiry, given that my lifestyle diverges sharply from the norm. While most people are surrounded by family, colleagues, or bustling urban life, I spend the majority of my time alone—well, almost alone, thanks to my loyal dog. My days are filled with building my own home, tending to my garden, or venturing to remote places for vacations. It’s a far cry from the stereotypical suburban life with a spouse, kids, two cars, and a hefty mortgage.

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Solitude vs. Loneliness

Admittedly, there are moments when I miss sharing my life with those closest to me or even building a future with a significant other. Yet, loneliness is not a constant companion. Despite spending so much time alone while my friends are busy with families and careers, I’ve come to realize that being alone and feeling lonely are distinct experiences. You can be surrounded by people and still feel isolated, or you can be entirely alone and feel perfectly content in your own company.

This distinction hinges on the relationship you have with yourself and how you define an ideal life. Society often imposes implicit norms—expectations to be perpetually social and to chase material possessions like the latest car or the biggest house to prove your worth. Social media amplifies this pressure, urging constant connectivity to avoid FOMO. But what happens when you don’t fit into this mold? Does it make you antisocial or an outcast? Of course not. It’s about choosing how you want to engage with the world to live a fulfilling life.

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Challenging Societal Expectations

For the past five years, since leaving the rat race to live in a tiny house, I’ve been exploring this question. I’ve grappled with societal expectations—ideas about what life should look like at a certain age, like securing a high-paying job, a partner, or a family by your 20s or 30s. These norms often felt like a straitjacket, especially when everyone around me seemed to follow the “right” path while I carved my own. This journey wasn’t about becoming a loner in the wilderness but about building a solid foundation of self-understanding—knowing who I am, what I want, and why I make the choices I do.

As an introvert, I recharge in solitude. This realization took time, as it’s not always easy to embrace in a world that celebrates extroversion. Society often stigmatizes those who prefer their own company, as if something is inherently wrong with choosing solitude. Comments like “there’s someone for everyone” can feel condescending, even if well-intentioned. Why is a conventional social setup deemed superior to my chosen lifestyle? The “tyranny of the majority” sometimes dismisses alternative ways of living, but true freedom means embracing who you are, regardless of societal norms.

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The Tiny House Journey

This tiny house adventure feels like a second coming-of-age. My first was the conventional path—18 years of school followed by a typical work life in the city. The second began in 2020, when I embraced a simpler, more authentic existence. This shift required learning new skills and confronting self-doubt, but it also brought unexpected rewards: new friends who share my values and understand my motivations. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider, liked but rarely understood. Paradoxically, it was only after choosing to live alone in a tiny house that I found people who truly resonate with me.

These connections, combined with a deeper understanding of myself, have made it nearly impossible to feel truly alone. I’ve learned to enjoy my own company and recognize that there’s nothing wrong with choosing a quieter, more solitary life. The issue lies not with the individual but with societal norms that dictate a one-size-fits-all approach to living, despite our diverse needs. Not everyone thrives in constant social settings, and not everyone, like me, recharges without solitude.

Finding Authenticity

Taking the time to discover who you are can lead to a less lonely life—not just because you attract like-minded people, but because you grow to appreciate your own company. For me, this journey has been about challenging preconceived notions and building a life that feels authentic. It’s not about rejecting society but about redefining how I engage with it.

Thank you for joining me on this reflection. I hope it sparks some inspiration to explore your own path, whatever that may look like. Until next time, embrace the freedom to be yourself.

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