LIVING ALONE: What I've Learned, Tips, Hardest Parts + Best Parts

I love you, here's to growing together!

ITEMS IN THIS VIDEO:

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:25 TIPS for Living Alone
11:51 Hardest Parts of Living Alone
15:27 Best Parts of Living Alone

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-----FAQ:-----
~How tall am I? 5'7
~Where am I from? Boerne, TX
~Where do I live? I spent 2016-2021 in Pasadena CA but have now moved to Austin, TX
~What did I study? Nutrition and Dietetics from ASU!
~How old am I? 24 (born in '97)
~Are you Christian? YES!
~What's your full name? Well it WAS Christiane Michel Janse but now it is Christiane Janse Smith so Michel is just a nickname now!
~How do you pronounce that? Like... Christy-Anne Mick-Elle Jan-See
~Do you have pets? YES! A rescue pupper named Max :-)
~Favorite Store? Everlane + Madewell
~Favorite Drink? Oat Milk Matcha or Lemonade Kombucha
~Favorite Friends? YOU

FTC: This video is NOT Sponsored. Some links may be affiliate links meaning I make commissions on sales with no extra expense to you. (thanks for supporting me by using my links!) All opinions are my own.

[melanemunguia]

If anyone else is touch deprived I really recommend a weighted blanket! the weight feels like a big hug and also gives a sense of safety! it’s helped me so much since living alone!!!

[elecops]

I don't have any plants, but a fresh bouquet of flowers always brightens my day. It's also so silly that people think you can't buy yourself flowers. I love buying myself flowers! I don't make pretty flower arrangements like you, but flowers at the dining table is perfect to look at

[elizabetheigenmann]

Hey Michel! I occasionally watched your videos when you were married but have started to watch you regularly (as in every single video hehe) since you announced that you're going through a divorce. The reason why is because this very hard season of life that you're going through right now has really displayed your character. I've been able to see your strength in enduring and courage in sharing your feelings/mindset with us throughout this ongoing journey. The way you're dealing with this divorce has been a huge inspiration to me when it comes to how to deal with trials. So thank you so much for being so transparent and honest, it's truly admirable. Sending lots of prayers your way! <3

[OffGridDreamLife]

I bought 10 acres of land and built a treehouse right in the middle. It’s built just like a house and even has a fireplace. I absolutely love my solitude. 🥰

[bethanyrose]

I loved living alone. I was with my parents till 23, then lived in a dorm for 2 years, and finally lived alone for 2 years in an apartment and it was amazing! It was great to decorate a space the way I wanted to feel homey. It was different for me as I hadn't had any opportunity my whole life to just be on my own, away from people, so i was thankful to finally have that time and space.

[lisahess]

I literally started crying when you were talking about not being able to come home and hug someone. Gosh.... Ive gone through all this with you and have somewhat read through the lines about what happened with brook. and my heart just breaks for you . Hugs and lots of prayers for you !!! You are my VERY FAVORITE YouTouber . Much love Michael!!!

[colleenjennifer-lynn]

I was single for 4 years and one thing I heard from a movie, of all things, is to sleep in the middle of the bed. I always felt lonely and would cry myself to sleep, but when I started sleeping in the middle it was invigorating because you can HOG THE BED!!! 😊❤️🇨🇦😘

[deborahwilliams]

My husband of 27 years left December 29, 2021. I have spent the last year (with my 2 adult daughters-autistic) reclaiming my joy. The best parts for me is having a clean house and no TV blaring in the background. When I need something done, I do it myself, I don’t have to “check in”. I have always had a hard time asking for help as well. BEST of all, I can live my faith without ridicule from someone who was “supposed “ to have loved me. I feel now that I have worth. I do agree it is hard not having someone to share things with. (I was with him for over half my life and he was the only one) I am so proud of you and it is such a joy to watch you begin to flourish after such heartbreak/ache. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️

[KelsiBlaser]

Huge tip for touch deprivation and trouble sleeping alone: Pregnancy pillow!! 10/10 helpful. It feels like cuddling, but is more comfortable 💛

[kerryh]

Missing touch is for sure a thing. This is why I always get my nails done and/or pedicure. It may be a stranger but still human touch is so important even on a small scale! I’m glad you said that because I thought I was the only one!

[heatherjordan]

This is a topic I know very well. I lived with my family until I was 22 and with roommate until I was 29. Then because my roommates all kept getting married off, I moved to my own apartment. At first I was excited and thrilled to have control over everything in the apartment but as the holidays came, I began to see how lonely it can get. I have always wanted to be married and at 41 and still waiting, I can tell you that there will be ups and downs around holidays. You have to search out friends and make plans or you will face the 'being alone' head on. Sometimes that's great after a party or event, to go home and just relax. But when you are an extrovert, and nothing is going on in the dead of winter (Maine-snow, freezing, darker days) you have to make do.... I watch youtubers like yourself and feel comforted!

[ruthgoddard]

My husband dies a few months ago. It was so hard to be alone or sleep alone. Such a lonely lonesome feeling because he was my best friend.I keep something on all the time and when I come home it does not feel so bad.you are such a bright spit to so many oeople Michel.thank you

[melodyabbee]

I just wanted to let you know that you are looking happier and stronger more each time I watch your videos! Sending you a virtual hug and I hope you find total peace soon!!

[christinenicholls]

I went through a divorce as well when I was 33 so I understand and sympathize 100% with everthing you are going through (you are doing great by the way!). My biggest mistake was giving away my 2 dogs I had at that time since I had no room for them in my tiny 3 1/2 appartment on the 3rd floor. I am so happy for you that you have Max!!! I cried in that video!! I see nothing wrong with sleeping with your dog in your bed. He will give you comfort when you need it the most and that will bring you so much joy. Now at 44 years old, i'm now in a wonderful relationship with a man that respects me and loves me for who I am and we have 2 dogs and they sleep in our bed (if they feel like it lol). Keep on the amazing work that you are doing. You are on the path that is meant for you! God has got your back! Love all your video and you are in my prayers xxx

[j.e.]

Cooking for one - I’ve started freezing leftovers like soup or casseroles or pasta meals. I used to throw a lot of stuff out unfortunately because I’d eat leftovers a few times and still have half a casserole left. Now when I make something that has 4-6 portions, I’ll immediately freeze 3-4 individual portions and it makes it SUPER easy to grab a few weeks later when you’re in the mood to eat it again and headed out the door for work.

[intuitivelyeating]

Having YouTube or podcasts playing in the background is a great tip for so many situations! I always had YouTube videos going as I was writing my PhD thesis to help make long hours in my office feel less lonely. A good tip for cooking while living alone is to prep things that you can then use in a variety of meals. For example I might cook a big batch of a mince and tomato sauce that I could turn into spaghetti bolognese, nachos, sloppy Joes, cottage pie, etc. Freeze individual portions and then you can defrost as needed and quickly make up different meals.

[elecops]

Watching vlogs and chatty videos are a great way to feel less alone. I love chatty videos, follow me around, vlogs etc because it's like spending the day with someone. It's especially comforting watching a GRWM when I'm getting ready myself.

[erinb]

Maybe I've missed it, but if you haven't already: I would love to hear more about how you tackled the apartment hunting process (especially when moving states or to somewhere new that you aren't already) - most important things you learned in the process, what sites or resources you used, how to know what neighborhood within a city you wanted/felt safe in, all those sorts of questions. How to find the next place to live when starting a new chapter, basically. Thanks for this vid!

[marybarton]

I've been living alone for 12 yrs now and the best thing for me is quiet and doing what you want when you want.

[jccarty]

Lived alone for 16 years. No pets. No plants. Rarely have music on unless I have clients in my photo studio. I love it.

I wanted to face me; to get to know me.

It can be lonely but I've got enough hobbies and work to keep me occupied.

Plus, I learned to face silence without distractions.

Sounds like you've got a good set up 😊