Keep Your Apartment From Feeling Lonely
Many renters are renting apartments for the first time, often representing a
departure from home base - either through graduation from college, a recent
divorce, new job or job transfer. Being alone can compound feelings of
loneliness and a feeling of rootlessness. Although many renters enjoy the
carefree lifestyle, some never get over a feeling of temporariness, as if their
apartments aren't really "home."
Poet Maya Angelou once said, "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe
place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." But you can't afford to
be so sad - you have a new life to lead!
For however long - six-months, a year or more, you will be occupying your new
apartment -making it enjoyable could be as simple as adjusting your attitude.
Here are some tips from history's great writers to help you make apartment
living more inviting:
"Where thou art - that- is home." Emily Dickenson -
If home is where you are, then make your home a reflection of who you are. Put things around you
that express your beliefs, emotions and interests. On your next visit to "the
folks" ask them to share some mementoes that bring a smile to your soul. Go
through some old photographs and put them into fresh new frames for your
apartment. Create a grouping of your favorite people. Update your phone list
and call at least one person on it weekly. Add fresh flowers. And put your
dorm room poster of "The Scream" in the trash.
"It is a miserable thing to feel ashamed of home." Charles Dickens -
Even if you do want to invite people over so you won't be as lonely, you won't be as
likely to play host if your apartment is uninviting. No one expects you to
decorate like Architectural Digest, but they do expect not to have to sit on
the floor to watch the game or listen to CD's. Even if you have to start out
with mis-matched furniture from the Salvation Army, shop and decorate with
hospitality and the comfort of others in mind.
"The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it." Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Learn some points of hospitality that will make you feel more
comfortable entertaining in your home. A cooking class or wine tasting event
can not only introduce you to more people, but give you pointers on easy foods
to make and drinks to serve as well as open up new topics of conversation.
Start collecting recipes and party ideas from other hosts and hostesses you
admire.
"The dog is a lion in his own house." a Persian proverb -
Put things around you of your own choosing. Your home is a place where you can express
yourself, and your first apartment is an ideal time to explore interests of
your own. If you want to decorate with your favorite football team's colors, or
with exotic objects from another country that you may want to visit some day,
go right ahead. Your apartment can be yet another way that you get to learn
more about who you are and what you want out of life.
"The most fortunate of men, be he a king or commoner, is he whose welfare
is assured in his own home." Goethe -
Take care of the basics so that you can enjoy your home. That means taking care of yourself financially, keeping your bills paid and your debt well under control. Personal safety is important, too.
Make sure the path to your home is well-lit and the locks on your doors are
bolted tight. Keep a list of emergency numbers handy. Get to know your
neighbors, so that you are aware of any unusual or suspicious activity.
"Let a man behave in his own house as a guest." Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Treat your things with respect. Pick up after yourself. Put away clutter. Treat your
home as if you aren't alone.
"Tis ever common that men are merriest when they are from home."
Shakespeare -
Get out of the apartment when you are feeling blue. Get some
fresh air, hear some music, go to the bookstore for a latte and read all the
free newspapers. Volunteer your time to a worthy cause. Blow the cobwebs away.
Blanche Evans is the editor of Agent News and associate editor of Realty Times. She is the author of "Homesurfing.Net: The Insider's Guide To Buying and Selling Your Home Using the Internet," Dearborn. Visit Homesurfing.net for more information and to order discounted copies. Ms. Evans is the principal of Newbury Communications, an editorial marketing and business writing firm, and she has been published in numerous newspapers, magazines and visitor guides across the nation. E-mail Blanche at: BlancheEvans@realtytimes.com
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Written by Blanche Evans
Copyright © 1999 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.
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