What I love most about being retired and single is that I can do what I want, when I want, and how I want. With rare exceptions, I am not subject to other’s whims, rules, schedules or preferences. This, for me, is true freedom.
An even deeper degree of freedom comes from not caring what others think. I don’t care at all what people think about the way I live, the art I make, my hobbies, my frugality, or much of anything else that I do.
Within reason – of course. I’m not deliberately trying to poke someone in the eye with my behavior. I try to be courteous, friendly and helpful. I try to keep my basest opinions to myself and avoid interacting with others when I’m in a foul mood. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
I think I’m successful doing this most of the time.
Some nights I lay down to relax after dinner and fall asleep at 7:30PM. I might wake at 3AM and jump out of bed to start the day.
Some days, I talk to a dozen people. Other days, I might not speak to a single soul.
I say no a lot – even if it is only in my head. I’m not interested in most social activities. I decline the few invitations I receive. I have no interest in traveling currently, nor do I want visitors to come stay at my house.
Writing this makes me sound like I’m an anti-social misanthrope. I’m not. I’m simply content.
But if others think it makes me sound like a weirdo hermit, it doesn’t matter – I don’t care.