I've lived alone for about 8 and a half years now. My husband is currently incarcerated so I don't see that changing for a while.

I love living alone. I don't feel lonely. I have a lot of friends, I talk to my husband for hours every day, I have a thriving social life - and then when I come home, my private space is my sanctuary, decorated exactly how I like it - leafy (over 50 indoor plants), full of books, interesting sculptures and beautiful art. And I have a furry friend to greet me every time I come home.

Speaking of "starting again" - I actually moved countries, from Australia to the US, moving into an apartment in Seattle without ever having been to Seattle beforehand and only doing Google research. It was a big challenge but I did it! And I built an amazing community as well.

While I miss my husband and look forward to us living together one day, I'm appreciating this alone time because as you say, it helps one to become fully authentic. I am a lot more secure in myself and what I like and what I want, because of this time living alone.