The Ultimate App for Singles Living Alone: My Anxiety Relief
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Chapter 1: My Journey of Living Alone
This weekend, I reach a milestone: 13 years of living solo in my cozy 1,000-square-foot house. This residence has officially become my longest-held home.
From my perspective, apartments never seemed practical. The rent often exceeds mortgage payments, and any investment made in an apartment can’t be recovered. When I left my childhood home, I brought along my three large dogs, making a fenced yard my top priority during my home search.
Despite having my furry companions by my side, I’ve spent these 13 years living independently. Though my suburb is relatively safe, my family lives two hours away, and I lack close friends nearby. Most of my neighbors, including myself, tend to maintain a low profile.
I often joke about my pets’ lack of protective instincts; they would likely greet an intruder with enthusiasm rather than intimidation. However, this playful remark masks a genuine source of anxiety. I frequently had nightmares about someone breaking into my home, waking up terrified as my 1906 house settled with creaks that sounded like a potential intruder. Eventually, I began barricading my doors and invested in double-locking mechanisms.
The nightmares faded, but another fear loomed large—one that resonated deeply with my introverted lifestyle.
Section 1.1: The Fear of Isolation
For 13 years, I have embraced single life. While I work as a teacher, long weekends or vacations often stretch into days or even weeks without contact from anyone. Though I tried to reach out, life keeps others busy, and I never held it against them.
Yet a lingering fear weighed on me. It was hard to articulate, but I knew many others shared it. The thought that if I were to die or become incapacitated, no one would know for days—perhaps even weeks—was a chilling realization. My true concern wasn’t just my own demise, but the fate of my pets who might face starvation. The idea of them suffering was unbearable.
Though I may have seemed eccentric, I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Many individuals live solo, especially introverts or those without close family or friends. Whether working from home or holding jobs where absence goes unnoticed, this concern is real.
Section 1.2: A Solution Emerges
I often brainstorm ideas to address such challenges and shared them with my sister. While many of my concepts already exist, discovering a solution for my fear was a revelation: the app “Snug.”
Photo Credit to Author
Unlike various devices available for the elderly, which provide emergency alerts, there was little for young, single individuals. However, Snug offers a similar solution.
After downloading this free app, which is refreshingly ad-free, I was welcomed by a cheerful interface prompting me to enter some basic information. The app is user-friendly, requiring just a daily tap to check-in.
If I fail to check in by a designated time, the app sends a reminder and then alerts my emergency contact. This message prompts them to check on me, ensuring someone will reach out if I don’t respond.
Should an emergency occur after I check in, I can also press a button to summon help, directly contacting emergency services.
This straightforward app provides peace of mind for both myself and my loved ones, ensuring that I won’t go unnoticed for more than a day if something goes awry.
A delightful bonus is that after I check in, I’m greeted with a sunny icon and an inspirational quote to brighten my day.
If you or someone you know lives alone—whether it’s a military spouse or someone whose partner often travels—consider downloading this app. Even if your fears differ from mine, Snug ensures that you won’t be forgotten in a crisis, and that reassurance is invaluable.
Chapter 2: Essential Resources for Singles
The first video titled "8 Things I Can't Live (Alone) Without" discusses essential items and practices that can enhance solo living. It's a great resource for anyone navigating life alone.
The second video, "Solo Living: How to Thrive When Living Alone Over 60!" provides insights and tips for older adults living independently, making it a valuable watch for those in similar situations.
Photo Credit to Author