Both. I enjoy some aspects of being alone: not having to share my space, talk, or listen when I don't feel like it; eating M&Ms for dinner without judgment , not dealing with someone else's moods... But...

I miss cuddling, sharing finances, regular sex, having someone else take the reins when I'm physically or emotionally exhausted...

It is both freedom and loneliness. There are trade offs. Singles can make instant plans w/o checking with a partner. On the other hand, it gives comfort and security to have an S.O. So, part good and part bad.

Yes, physical touch is only thing I miss!

Both. Still new to me, singlehood may be winning… It’s not that I don’t miss the closeness I had with a one-time wife and children, but can’t imagine being that close to anyone else. I still consider the possibility, am a caregiver by nature, and feel I’ve a lot to share..

Otherwise, shit yes! Up when you want, late as you want, anywhere you want, anyone you want (to spend time with)... No second guessing, explanations, compromise, disappointment, expectations… A serious list ~

Single - with cats. Occasional bouts of loneliness - but nothing unbearable. Mostly a peaceful, productive way to be ! And yes - great freedom.

Though I'll admit - some intimate moments would sure be welcome ... (grin)

The stimulation of sensory input is missing. The bumpy ride of emotion is not missed. The sharing of memories is missed. Levity is missed. Complaining is not missed.

Both, actually. As a widower, I obviously feel some degree of loneliness, but it is no longer the sort that tears you up inside, the sort I felt for the first several years after my wife's death. I am not lonely because there is no woman in my life; I am lonely because that specific woman is no longer in my life. I won't rule out becoming involved again, but the longer I am single, the less likely it becomes as I come to appreciate my freedom more by the day.

Both. I've been cruising along in family mode for eleven years since my husband passed. Decision making is a breeze, and I don't have to compromise very much. On the other hand, I miss having someone to bounce my thoughts off of and to lean on when things get particularly tough. The complete absence of physicsl affection for so long has also probably made me pretty darned weird.

I feel both, but I really like living alone. No pressure or expectations or needing to live up to someone else's ideal of me. I did spend NYE with just my pets which was a little depressing, but it was a nice, quiet evening.

Being along should not be confused with being lonely. I love my freedom but I also like to share things with someone that is on the same page as myself. I have been living alone for many yrs. Never once did I see this as being lonely or desperate or anything where I feel I have to find something to fill that void. One must find themselves first before they can find another.

It really depends on one's personality and experiences. I was married (7 Yrs) and lived with another for a long time (12 yrs). They did not work out and was glad to be alone. When I lived in Seattle there was a big singles group which had more than enough socializing events to keep one busy and happy and I was satisfied. Sex is usually available but one's personality can be a limiting thing (like meaning transcending physicality).

I took a personality test and it showed introvertism and a need to make my own decisions on my own time. However, most of us evolve (or should) and things change. My late partner showed me (us) that one can have the best of both worlds ESPECIALLY when there are no big distractions like kids or jobs or emotional/physical baggage. Where I am living now there is an unbelievable sense of community, activism and connectedness. But sometimes I feel it is not quite enough.

Definitely freedom...

Living single with 7 other people, my dog Sassy and my cat Zeus. Miss being in a committed relationship: the physical intimacy, sharing thoughts, feelings and ideas with a man and feeling loved and wanted.

It's a combination. As others have mentioned, it's not a matter of NEEDING someone to be with, it's about a want. Perfectly happy by myself but I often find myself wishing I could find someone that I actually want to spend time with and would feel the same about me. A healthy relationship is beneficial to both parties, not one or the other.

Definitely both. On the one hand my whole house is my man cave, on the other hand I'd like to have a steady girlfriend who stays over a lot... I am leery about getting married or living with someone again. One issue is control of my environment, and the other for me is the financial exposure.

a bit of both

Simply put, try to have a successful marriage - but if you can't live happily single, you certainly cannot live happily married.

It's both in my opinion, you have times of loneliness but you also have the freedom to do what ever you please. As soon as I throw a girlfriend into the mix my life changes in the things I'll do, ie, I'll spend less time on my game with my friends and spend more time with my girl. It has its positives and negatives.

Little of column A, little of column B. I fail to fit into a mold, and it's so uncomfortable to try. But I drove up and was around family last week, and it is rather meloncholy to see the others together while I am alone. Meh.

I'd say usually a little bit of both, I have the freedom to be lonely! LOL

It's some of both actually. I like being able to do what I want without being compelled to compromise and go along with the plans of a hypothetical partner, but on the other hand sometimes it would be nice to have someone to share things with.

I can do loneliness... alone is my natural state. Freedom is my mantra. But for the right partner I will accept a Collective Freedom Dealio. My final answer.

Living alone need not be lonely though theres great freedom. Love does not require being joined at the hips ( literally and figuratively) 24/7.

I maybe lonely, but I'm never alone. And being here reading this makes me realize how much I am like others and in some cases not. Freedom is mindset. Everyone and everything has a shelf life. Enjoy it as it goes.

So far it's just peaceful. It's kinda new, though. I lived single for most of the 00s and it was lonely. I didn't stay home very much -- at the time I had a rinky-dink 1 bedroom apartment and the walls always felt like they were closer together than the day before.

I eventually ended up moving, getting married, moving again, and now have a MUCH larger place. I have a workout room, a home office (I work from home,) a studio (I'm a musician,) a work room (where I can tinker with stuff,) and more. I also have been alone since just before Christmas, and very early in the process of divorce, and it's much more peaceful than it was before.

We'll see how it goes. I know that I do not want to be completely alone, but so far the whole idea of living with someone else is the furthest thing from my mind. I like the peace.