As a recently become single man, and I'm not uncomfortable with it, there must be a few guidelines I haven't yet discovered. So far I'm sticking to one that a fellow told me:
During the 50's he was a plantation manager in New Guinea. His daily routine was to get up, shave, dress in his suit and tie before going out to supervise the workers. He was the only white fellow for many miles. He said that if he hadn't followed his routine he would've "gone native" and stayed drunk, as he'd seen a number of others do in the remote areas and Pacific Islands.

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Halfway and one more step

Shackleton, the famous Antarctic explorer, saved his life, and those of his crew by doing the same as you suggest............maintain a routine. They were trapped in their ship in sea ice for more than a year. He and the crew followed a daily regimen. His accounts of the journey are very interesting.

I believe also, that a daily routine is very important. It makes the occasional diversion from that routine seem more exciting and stimulating.

Dave

Well for my two cents, from my experiences....a routine is fine up to a point...But it's easy to get into a rut by following a routine....To be sure, the ole internal clock will usually keep a person getting up around the same time every day without the need for a clock...Again, speaking from this old buzzards experiences, I pretty much go to bed with the chickens and get up with the same. I've pretty much done that all my life, so I guess you would call that a routine...But depending on what the weather is outside, I might just get up, look out, and turn right around and go back to bed, hopeful that things will have changed by the time I get again.


Yes, we are creatures of habit, so somethings we do each day won't change much...Perhaps the time of day we do them will change though..
One thing you'll have to remember though, not everyone is going to be on your schedule....I don't call anyone after 9:00 and night, and I won't even bother to get up to answer my phone after 9.

Meals????? You'll eat when you're hungry, and eat what you want...Even eat right out of the can, or drink milk right out of the carton. (My life and my rules)

My word of advise here though is, to accomplish something everyday, no matter how small of a task it might seem..Then at the end of the day, you can look back and say you did something, rather than just vegitate.

Some days as a single person, it's hard to get motivated to do something just for yourself, rather than doing it for some one else. But just like passing a large stool, you just grunt harder to get the job done and the feeling will pass. Then you'll find you'll end up going back to what I said, you'll accomplish something for the day..(Not just by passing a large stool)

It's hard to sometimes do things for just ourselves...me, and I'm sure many others here are used to doing for others...That gives us a sort of purpose...not feeling selfish when we do something for just ourselves..

With my little girl, she's now just about 6 years old. But she gives me some purpose, to get up to feed her, give her her insulin shots, and just plain ole spoil her ...(My little Daschund I'm speaking of here) So she does give me some purpose in life, rather than just looking after myself.

Some newly singled persons find it hard at first to go out to eat solo...But after a few times, you'll find that you sort of like being by yourself.

One thing...for me anyway, is to stay away from the old geezer's koffee klatches...Too easy to end up getting some negative opinions rubbing off from them. as there is always one or two that is the local curmudgon..By the same token though, don't become a ole stick in the mud, and not socialize, otherwise you will become negative, when you just listen to yourself talk.

Anyway...something I've learned being single for going on 15 years now, is when I get in the ole truck or the car, with the dog beside me, I can just go down a road and look at some things I never noticed before...(You'll see what I mean)

That's about it for now...You'll be ok, trust me.


WuzzFuzz

Buy a dog and you will never be alone.

My grandfather lived alone for 20 years after my grandmother died. Got up early every morning, gardening, golf and a "lady friend" in the neighborhood. He also had a maid come in once a week to clean the house and do laundry which in some ways was probably the most important.

I forgot to add...Don't let the dirty dishes pile up in the sink......


WuzzFuzz

Hang in there, buddy. It gets better. Soon you wouldn't want it any other way. Nice to have peace and quiet and to do whatever you'd like without asking permission .., and ... you will discover that certain days of the month your life was made unbearable was not due to radical cosmic energy leaking into the ozone layer.

How could you ever be lonely with that 100+ footer yacht you Captain ? The engine room is bigger than my living room ! You could meet very nice ladies in every port you dock. You're living a guy's dream. Make the best of it. I had a client who owned a nice beachfront home in Tahiti. He also owned homes in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Palm Beach and a mansion in Maine. He tells me of young natives, still till this day, that walk the beach topless and are very friendly. I could get very accustomed to that, very easily.

Nice to be able to entertain friends. Hang out with your guy buddies, date a lady friend and at your discretion ask her to stay over. The next morning if she starts to nag just politely remind her where to door is, if she'd like to leave. If she's a peach ask her to stay. No need to get married again.

That's just me, buddy. You do what's good for you. Since age 19 I have lived a total of 33 married years. The last 9 years of "not" being married have been wonderful, peaceful, and SANE. I do exactly as I please, when I please, as often as I please.

If you have a notion of getting married again it would be my duty to get you Shanghai-ed to Rio de Janeiro with $5.00 in your pocket only, the day before your wedding.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

IIRC Speech by a SEAL Adm. to a college graduation class............. big on the Web about 2 years ago........

Started out something like....................

"When you get up.... make your bed.... your first accomplishment of the day is behind you...................."



My Dad lived alone at "The Cabin" after Mom passed (78-86).........every day, weather permitting, he walked about about 2 miles on trails.

Summers he cut and split firewood...... I was good to go for about 10 years after he stopped cutting...LOL




Around here a lot (40%) of the Rotary group is made up of single retired guys...... this morning we are meeting to finish up a fishing dock we've been building in the Twp Park....couple of the older guys are only handing tools and stuff..... but they are there!!!!


Oh ya........ try taking up Gun Collecting.....

I knew I could count on you, Brother!

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Halfway and one more step

I'm learning to live alone again after 25 years of marriage. It's taking some getting used to but do like not answering to anyone. The meal thing is my hardest as I hate cooking for one. I can go out to eat alone okay and normally will bring enough home for another meal.
I do need to get out more though and not sure if I want to get active in American Legion or something else yet.
My house is up for sale and not sure what I'll do when it sells. I have a storage shed I've moved some things to and will stay at my brother's house for awhile while I decide what to do. I may but an RV next spring and do some traveling before settling down in any one place.
I'm 62, retired on disability and have no children. My brother and his children and their children all live in Michigan so may stay here although warmer states sound good.
It's good to hear how others cope with living alone, thanks for sharing.

The best part about living alone is doing WHAT YOU WANT!

"It's a great life if you don't weaken."

I've been living alone for the past three years and the first year and a half was hard, but now I really enjoy it.

When people ask me what I do, I tell them, "nothing... and I don't start doing nothing until noon time."

I make my bed every day.

Walk my fur daughter (dog) three miles a day, we are both the same age in dog years, 64.

Do volunteer work on occasions.

Go hunting or else fishing depending on the time of year.

Some of my friends call me a hermit but that's because I choose not to socialize with them too much because of their lifestyle choices.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

Being remarried for 5-1/2 years now after living "alone" for more than 25 years, I can tell you that I savor every day I get to spend alone and on my own these days. Today happens to be one of those days as the good wife is off on a "Girl's Weekend" with her friends. It doesn't get any better than this! No nags (she calls them "self-improvement suggestions"), all the peace & quiet I could possibly want, no schedule, and I can do or buy or eat anything I want today so long as I can afford it.

There must be a downside to all this, but right now I can't think of any.

You can leave the toilet seat up.

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Back to back World War Champs.

My wife and Daughter just returned last night from a 3 day
Quilting Seminar. They drove over 100 miles and stayed in
motel for 2 nights. Me and Son in Law were coming up with
plan to send them more money so they could stay longer!

There are major challenges that have to be addressed! Like....should I buy a washer and dryer, or go hang out at the laundromat (there could be benfits other than clean clothes?....)
Other places for company, I know, the odds are good, but the goods are odd.

Maybe a visit to the animal shelter is in order.

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Halfway and one more step

In Indiana one's daily routine can change pretty dramatically with the weather, if you spend much time outdoors. There is a forced seasonal rotation, you might say.

Routines can be good and bad. Don't be afraid to replace an old one with something different. "A change is as good as a rest!"

Learning to be satisfied or content with your own company seems to be something of an individual pursuit. Some do it well without any effort. Others are frightened of the prospect and struggle against it. You will find your own way, if you do it for very long.

My next door neighbor is 86. He has lived alone for 5 years. He got a dog about 2 years ago and I saw a marked improvement in his attitude and health. Dogs are good therapy. I've had a dog pretty much my whole life to hunt with and keep me company. I'm married but my wife travels a lot. She was gone for two months this summer visiting relatives. I also live in the country and I sleep a lot better with a capable body guard. My hearing is shot and I need another set of ears. My present dog was selected primarily to hunt with but she's no pushover when the chips are down. The only downside is my wife thinks the dog needs to go to the groomer every month or so. If you live alone that wouldn't be a problem. The dog has never once asked to go to the groomer.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Anyone who tells you money can't buy love has never paid an adoption fee.

My wife had an interesting plan when I stroked out about 4 years. "Don't make any major changes for one year." That made us pay attention to all that was right in our lives, as well as the things that were less than right.

Ivan

P.S. We've lived in a condo for a year now, and don't miss 100's of hours of yard work and firewood work. We do miss the exercise, so the complex has a nice gym and in nice weather we each have bicycles and walking shoes. (I need to go make the bed now!)

My best friend should have read that. He didn't buy one, he married one.

Go to Church. After a friends wife died he started going to church and had a hard time keeping the widows away.

After a long,grueling and expensive marriage,I ain't doing that again! Looking halfway prosperous and industrious really seems to attract trouble,so for the last few years I've loafed and hiked and kayaked etc.I'm poor now,but damn is it peaceful!!

My ex sings in the choir.... I might better switch denominations

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Halfway and one more step

I'm there. I'm a respectable bum now, married though. Not many people interested in a respectable bum. Going to hit the road in about a month. No return date set. Pay me when you see me.

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That's just somebody talkin.

If you have the washer dryer hookups get your own. we are living in an apartment after selling the 1st farm until we build or buy. My wife has burned out on laundromat trips and now tells me it is my husbandly duty to accompany her.

It is expensive, we can bust a 20 dollar bill in the change machine, use most of it every trip. Wouldn't take long to pay for a good set, minus all the fancy stuff they want you to pay for on the delux ones.

P.S. Since some us normal folks go to laundromats I'm sure some of you, like I, have noticed some purely wierd folks there. I feel they look at us and think, look it's purely normal folks slumming here.

I'm the only anti here. Common guys, being married can't be THAT bad? Just be thankful you were blessed with a chance or two with nothing screwing it up with your union. Me, the first gal I almost married. Long story and I'll skip details but, Heather and I were so much alike. Born just a few days apart, loved the same foods, TV shows etc. The only think she liked but I ddnt, was George Jones songs.

What killed that planned union, was a jack,,,,,, who had been in and out of prison for many years for various cases of rape--even raping its girlfriends 2 year old daughter. Heather of course was pretty messed up mentally, was going to go back where she was originally from to be around family for a short visit before returning. Family stabbed her in the back, in particular, her sister susan who had the state, take custody of her 5 year old son. She lost custody for a few years. Anyway, she wasn't abandoning her son which is why we did not get married.

And you pretty much know my situation with Sabrina now so no repeating her details. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude for her defeating cancer, but things aren't going very well on that front. Now you know why I'm so strong on being blessed with God giving you someone. My first was taken away, and this one too might be taken from me.

Sorry but, that's how I feel. Cherish every second you can. I have with Sabrina. I chat with her every night for an hour on the phone and cherish the time.

When my first wife left me I was devastated. It took me about 4 months to somewhat get it together. I remember losing interest in things I enjoyed doing. The silence. I didn't date for a year. I needed to go through the grieving process at my own pace. Remember it is a process and it takes time. I was very afraid of making a commitment and hurt a lot of ladies as a result. I remained a bachelor for 14 years when I finally met my new wife. I couldn't be happier and cherish every moment with her.

I hope this invokes a spirit of hope to you. Hang in there and the worm will turn for you as well.

I remember having to go to a laundromat when my washer and drier died years ago. There are certain things that should not be done in public and your laundry is one of those things. Get a washer and drier.

Companionship of a dog is a wonderful thing. My life has certainly been enriched. But if I was just beginning a new adventure in life I'd be cautious about tethering myself with a dog leash.

Long ago.

My best friend used to work in a auto parts store and next door was a laundromat. After that was a small bar.

I don't think I ever saw a looker at the laundromat.

Usually at the bar were bar flies and drunks but the bartenders were most always worth going in for a look.

Believe it or not, The parts store was a great place to meet ladies picking up for the various auto shops.

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Dum vivo cano

Just eat a chicken pot pie and take a vitamin. You will do fine. The rest will take care of itself.

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

For most of the '90s, I was single. Once I got over the initial shock, I loved it. I really enjoyed living alone. I took up tai chi; my classes included a number of ladies I called the Tai Chi Vixens. Cooking for myself was a pleasure; cooking for company was even more fun. When one of them would cook, it was eve better.

I was able to take more motorcycle trips than I ever could before. Started riding off-road a lot, which transformed the nature of my trips.

Conchita and I have now been together for almost 15 years, and I wouldn't really want to go back, but if I had to, I know it would not be the end of the world.

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Not in jail.

Beside building a routine, make that routine to do something unplanned one day a week and something you would not normally do another day each week.

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Front sight and squeeze

Graduated from Law School at 24..... got married at 39...... been married 22+ years................let me just ....................... say..............................................................................................................................................................................................

I'm thinking,........................ I'm thinking...............................

Let me get back to you on this.....................................





OK first thing......... for the love of God ..... never cross the threshold of a laundromat......................it's kind of like the bar in the first Star Wars movie.......... but that bar had a better looking clientele.............

Now in the right apartment complex........ the laundry rooms are ....... pure gold..................

It does and I greatly appreciate it.

I like loving alone. No more fights or the silent treatment. The toilet seat stays where I leave it. Cooking for one is no problem. I'm in a small cottage on my oldest daughters place in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. Didn't want to leave Oregon but my health problems forced the move. I was married 3 times for a total of 46 years. Lost all 3. Guess the Good Lord wants me single. P.S, I'm having a Chicken Pot Pie tonight, a small salad & a glass of California Burgandy. Life is good.

Or, do nothing. I have a slogan on my desk: "The hardest part of doing nothing is knowing when you're through."

And while living alone, it is possible to have friends, associates, colleagues, lovers as long as you keep them at a safe distance so they're not interfering with your life. Just don't let them know you're doing this.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I'm glad you appreciate the small things. I pray Sabrina beats this, and my heart is with you. Stay strong for her and you will never regret. May calm fuel your mind and spirit.

Being alone isn't the end of the world, but meeting the right person could be the beginning of it. I hate being lonely.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

Or a cat. Cats are cool, too.

I'm 65, retired, widowed, and my dog died last month. I have no earthly ties to speak of. The one thing I demand of myself everyday is that i get up, get dressed, and do someting. Lately it has been rake, soon it will be clean gutters, followed by shovel snow, followed by spring, and the garden. The circle of life continues. Get up, get out, contribute.

The only advice i can offer is to shower right before going to bed. You will never have to change the sheets.



#bachelorlivesmatter

You need to find a laundry that lets you drop laundry off, pay around a dollar a pound, then pick it up the next day washed and folded.

Dirty dishes? Get rid of the dishes. Get a metal Army mess tin with silverware of the the sort used from 1910 through the 90s, and a metal canteen cup. Along with a can opener, you now have all your utensils. Drink your coffee from the canteen cup, your whiskey from the bottle.

I ate fast food, canned, or frozen for years. Nice thing about canned foods, once you learn to stop tasting food, is just cut the can open and stick in a spoon. No need to heat it. Just remember to mix up a quart of Tang and drink it whenever you start to show signs of Scurvy.

I guess managing a plantation in New Guinea may be fun but ever thought of sheep ranching in Montana?

He will have to buy a pair of those big boot's.

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Don

Finding a Church to attend is a very good idea and something I need to do myself. My first wife and my second wife both attend the Church I did attend and think I'd like someplace new now. I have a couple ideas and need to get up and go sometime.
My first divorce was 30 plus years ago and was more emotional than this time around. I wasn't hurt as bad financially the first time as I am now. I worked two jobs the first time to pay off divorce debt but being disabled now I don't have that option so I will need to cut back on my lifestyle and live with what I can afford.
I spent yesterday with my brother, his kids and their kids. It's good for me to spend time with them but would like to live a little closer and may when this house sells. I'm trying to give myself some time before making a major decision such as where to live which is why I'm putting my stuff in storage and staying with my brother for awhile. I did the same thing after my first divorce and we got along well sharing his house for 2 1/2 years before I got my own place again.
I sure as heck don't plan on getting involved in another relationship either at least for quite some time. I don't seem to make good choices with women although I was married 13 years the first time and 25 this time. I guess it takes them awhile to get tired of me.
My Dad lived alone for better than ten years after my Mom died and my brother has been single for about 30 years so I do have some good models to follow.

Following up on my earlier post.......... still thinking

as a footnote... we've had both a cat and dog for most of the past 22 years......both add a lot to the family........ but the cats are easier to "live with" as they don't require as many trips outside and you can leave them with 2or3 days of food & water.....

you know............................

If you get lucky...............

The laundry part I can envision, I'll have to do the math....but there's way too much fresh seafood in my world to become a can-a-vore. (I just made that up. man, I crack me up sometimes).

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Halfway and one more step

Probably a few here that ain't a clue as to what you're inferring.