So much for the single life.
Leading social psychologist Steve Cole has spent his life researching how different species live their lives, and the relationship this has to their genes and physiology. He’s found that people who commune together generally have better health and different genetic activity to those who are socially disconnected.
This seems to confirm what many who share a roof would attest – that our natural state is connection, and that having company can be a great thing that adds dimension to your life in important ways.
Read Cole’s arguments in detail in this terrific article.
Cole does point out that you don’t need to live with someone to feel socially connected or enjoy regular contact; it’s the “subjective experience” that carries the power.
But other researchers have also concluded that living alone can harm our health and well being. A team from University College London examined the health consequences of living isolated from others and found that limited contact increased risk of death.
Here are some of the pros and cons of sharing a home with others:
- Someone to house-sit, look after the pets, water the plants if you go away
- Someone to tag team chores with
- Splitting the cost of bills and other household expenses
- Safety in numbers
- Shopping for one can be tricky
- Living longer, according to the experts!
- Not enough room (particularly if your property is small)
- Feeling a lack of privacy
- Reconciling different lifestyles and habits
- If you have housemates and someone moves out, the admin can be a pain
- Feeling a lack of control over your own space