Women Who Live Alone Share The Home Safety Tips That Help Them Sleep Easier At Night
As the author of books like 'Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life,' she's become a bit of an evangelist for solo living. When she hears other women at book talks or at parties discuss how fulfilling it is to live alone, she doesn't need to be convinced.
'I love the complete freedom to sleep when I want and get up when I want, to eat what I want and when I want, and to find that whatever I put in the refrigerator the night before is still there the next day,' she told HuffPost.
'My place is always exactly as warm or as cool as I want it to be. And the toilet seat is always down,' she joked.
The number of women living alone has grown in DePaulo's time. In 2022, 15.7% of all households in the United States consisted of a woman living alone, compared to 11.5% in 1970.
She loves it, but she gets it's not for everyone. There are certainly financial constraints ― in 2025, it's not uncommon for people well beyond their 20s or college years to live with roommates because of housing costs, especially in cities.
But other women shy away from living alone out of concern for their safety — understandably so. Everyday activities that men often take for granted ― going on a walk in the evening, even in a busy public place, opening your door after a late night out ― can be depressingly dangerous for women.
That said, DePaulo and other women who've lived alone say there are ways to heighten your safety at home.
'Don't let fear ruin what can be a deeply fulfilling experience,' she said. 'I've been in different neighborhoods in Virginia, Florida, and now in California, and it's rare for me to feel remotely unsafe. A home of your own can be comfortable, peaceful, and safe, maybe even sacred.'
We recently asked women who live alone to share their best security tips, from their own lived experiences. See what they had to say below.
'The biggest tip I can suggest is to get to know your neighbors. Getting to know mine has made me feel so safe. Not only have they become great friends, but they are also extra security when I'm not home. They're always looking out for me and I do the same for them. It's really taught me how important community is when living alone.' ―Celeste Polanco, a lifestyle influencer
'As someone who shares moments of my life publicly, I've learned that boundaries around what ― and when ― I share are non-negotiable. I don't share the local things in my neighborhood or any landmarks. I'm very mindful about sharing the view from my windows or anyone that may work in or around my building. These rules are shared with my friends and family when they visit as well. The outside and inside of my buildings are off limits. And I ask them to be mindful of geo-tagging because you never know who is watching.' ―Denise Francis, the founder and CEO of The Self Love Organization INC, a digital wellness platform for Black women
'Having a security camera like a Ring gives me so much peace of mind. I can see who's at my door, and even check in when I'm not home. It's a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in feeling safe and aware.' ― Emily Sanchez, the owner of the online plant shop Classy Casita
'Nothing is better than coming home to something cute that's happy you're home and relies on you.' ―Maia Milas, a writer and photographer
'Even if you only sit in on a few sessions, know the basics of defending yourself physically and practice the moves to develop muscle memory. In a panic, you hopefully can resort to what you've learned, which only comes with practice.' ― Milas
'For me, that's double-checking locks on my doors and windows before bed and maybe keeping something for self defense by the door. It's not about being scared to live alone, it's about feeling in control of your space and having peace of mind.' ― Sanchez
'Make sure you have an emergency contact. A reliable one. Someone who is likely to answer the phone when you call or come to the door when you knock. I had a neighbor who I called once to come over and make sure I didn't fall asleep after I got a concussion. Some things you just can't do alone, and require immediate assistance.' ― Milas
More Women Are Saying No To Motherhood. Will Society Ever Listen?
'Boysober' And Celibate By Choice: Why These Women Are Swearing Off Sex
11 Solo Trip Locations Around The World Where Women Feel Really Safe
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
3 minutes ago
- Forbes
Omni La Costa: Serious Golf And Frivolous Fun (For Everyone Else)
Omni is dedicated to the game of golf: Look no further than Carlsbad's La Costa Resort & Spa Some places wear their history like a heavy velvet curtain—thick with nostalgia, but a little stuffy and even stifling. Not Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Perched breezily along the rolling foothills of Carlsbad, California, this Southern California grande dame has pulled off the rarest of feats: reinventing itself with the lightest of touches and both eyes fixed on contemporary trends in golf architecture and leisure living. The elegant bones of this iconic property—once the martini-marinated playground of Sinatra and his Rat Pack confreres—remain unmistakably intact. I remember my first visit to this fabled showbiz hideaway in the early 80s, when I espied legendary MCA mogul Lew Wasserman strutting around like he owned the joint. Between colorful characters like him, mob-affiliated union bigwigs and straight-up wiseguys, La Costa is the kind of place you wish had talking walls--they'd surely have a tale to tell and then some (and would need to join the witness protection program afterwards). But whispered talk of Teamsters' pension fund money seeding the resort's early days are long ago and all but forgotten. La Costa has been corporate owned-and operated since KSL Resorts took the reins from 2001 to 2007, upgrading the spa to the tune of $12 million and adding a 28,000 square-foot Spanish Colonial spa building. Omni Hotels and Resorts acquired the property in 2013 and oversaw a massive three-year, $70 million renovation of the entire resort, including the two historic, 18-hole golf courses. The beating heart of La Costa's reinvention is its North Course, newly reimagined by architectural purist and PGA whisperer Gil Hanse. Known for breathing new life into storied courses like Doral and Winged Foot, Hanse has turned his exacting eye to La Costa's greens and fairways, and the result is nothing short of sublime--and may I add tough as nails? Choose your tees wisely as the course now stretches to 7,500 yards. Gulp. Gone is the overgrown, overwatered sprawl of yesteryear. In its place: a leaner, meaner, championship-caliber layout, custom-built for nail-biting drama and high-level competition. The bunkers are rakishly sculpted, the sightlines clarified and shot values amped up without losing the course's classic SoCal swagger. It's strategic golf with a surfer's soul. Even better? The course isn't just for show. It's now the permanent home of the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Golf Championships through 2026. Watching college phenoms wrestle with Hanse's elegant, native-grassed hazards from the shaded comfort of a cart, cocktail in hand? Highly recommended. Of course, all the golf course innovations in the world don't mean much without meticulous attention also paid to leisure activities (tennis and pickleball, yes!), luxe accommodations and credible food and beverage. Omni La Costa nails this as well with its effortlessly elegant guest experience. Rooms are spacious and sunlit, awash in creams and ocean blues, with balconies that whisper you out for one last glass of pinot under the stars. A serene quiet prevails here come evening, a nice contrast to the squeals of Marco Polo from the capacious family pools (there's also a separate adults-only pool where peace and perfectly spiked palomas reign). The spa remains one of the largest and most comprehensive in California—a temple to eucalyptus steam, reflexology, and the fine art of doing absolutely nothing. Romantic side-by-side massages with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are available in one of the VIP suites for couples. Treatment options include an array of exotic massages, facials, body wraps and new clinical treatments. And the courtyard offers a tranquil pool, Jacuzzi, al fresco waterfall shower, lounging areas, a reflexology path and herb garden. Great place for a golfer's massage and steam after a frustrating round. Post-golf and -spa, there's no need to hang up your expectations. Omni La Costa's food and beverage program has undergone its own quiet revolution, led by a team that's clearly decided mediocre poolside burgers are no longer part of the resort vocabulary. For upscale, all-day dining head to VUE, the resort's go-to restaurant, now fully rebooted with a hyper-local sensibility. The wagyu burger with truffle aioli is as decadent as it sounds, and the wine list pulls heavily from boutique Central Coast producers—smart, sippable and surprisingly affordable. Or here's an even better strategy: save your appetite and caloric limits for a protein-centric splurge at Bob's Steak & Chop House, located a wee chip shot from the main lobby. Prime steaks are the deserving stars of the extensive menu--I tucked into the supple Kansas City Strip--but the U8 scallops with a citrus beurre blanc and Nueske's bacon is a rich and satisfying starter. Gargantuan onion rings are 24-karat and a must-have side, as is the bleu cheese salad with pecans and chopped eggs. A standout experience all around in an elegant, subdued setting. And no need to fire up the Lambo--it's a short walk from anywhere on property and dripping in old-school, mahogany luxury. Resort guests can avail themselves of the beautiful driving range and surrounding short game and putting greens, but if you're anything like me--golf gods forbid--your swing could use a finely trained eye and comforting instruction from one of La Costa's staff PGA professionals. I was lucky to land an hour with new head pro Ryan Dohrmann, whose expertise is only exceeded by his warm and encouraging bedside manner and relaxed smile throughout. Sometimes a golf lesson can seem like a dentist's appointment but not with Ryan--call it painless wisdom without need of Novocaine or hypnosis. I left encouraged and anxious to tackle Gil Hanse's handiwork. Fore!
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Hitched At A Discount: Why City Hall Weddings Are Taking Off And How To Save More
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The picture of marriage these days less often evokes imagery of opulent bouquets and fancy soirees. With the rising cost of living and current and incoming tariffs, grandiose functions more often are taking a back seat to other expenses, like a honeymoon. Instead, engaged couples, led by Generation-Z, are increasingly turning to the sensible cousin of a blowout ceremony, the 'micro-wedding.' While the average wedding ceremony in 2025 (pre-tariffs) cost an engaged couple around $33,000, according to wedding website The Knot, frugal couples are looking for meaning elsewhere in their nuptials. Also, newlyweds are increasingly trading large ceremonies for more intimate gatherings, with the average guest count down from 184 in 2006 to 131 in 2024, as reported by Axios , citing The Wedding Report. Even though weddings are shrinking, people still want to get married. An August 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 59% of LGBTQ+ U.S. adults under 50 who have never married say they want to get married someday, and non-LGBTQ+ respondents in the same age range echo similar sentiments at 63%. And couples ready to marry are opting to get hitched with micro-weddings, or eloping at city hall. Pinterest's wedding trends report found that city hall ceremonies have become a 'full-blown aesthetic' driven by Gen-Z. The platform found that micro-wedding inspiration made headway, with a 128% search increase for 'city hall wedding dress,' 190% on 'city hall elopement,' and 637% on 'civil ceremony photography.' Even celebrities are tapping into the trend. British pop-star Charli XCX tied the knot with The 1975's George Daniel at London's Hackney Town Hall in July. Pinterest isn't an anomaly, either. Google search results for 'courthouse wedding' have increased over the last decade and now are at an all-time high. While city hall weddings are certainly much cheaper than the average affair, they're not free. It can still cost a small fortune to arrange the big day. After all, the city hall wedding attire and civil ceremony photographer won't be free. Couples can save for their ceremony in several accounts: Joint checking account: This type of account is for shared expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, weddings) that can simplify budgeting and eliminate the need for transfers and reimbursements. Partners can monitor and share responsibility for funds in the account easily and with transparency. This type of account is for shared expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, weddings) that can simplify budgeting and eliminate the need for transfers and reimbursements. Partners can monitor and share responsibility for funds in the account easily and with transparency. High-yield savings account (HYSA): These accounts offer higher interest yields than standard savings accounts. These accounts offer higher interest yields than standard savings accounts. Certificate of deposit (CD): CDs offer similar interest rates to HYSAs but are often meant for long-term savings, as funds cannot be removed for a fixed term. The upside is that accountholders lock in a fixed annual percentage yield (APY) that helps their money grow steadily. CDs can be a great option for those who are planning a micro-wedding or saving for a honeymoon. Was this article helpful?
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
How To Bring Hamptons Style Home: 14 Luxury Essentials For Any Space
There was no hotter place to be than The Hamptons this summer. From the gorgeously landscaped properties to the beautiful beaches, there's a reason why everyone loves the eastern end of Long Island. But if you didn't make it this summer, that's okay—there are plenty of ways to bring a touch of the Hamptons to wherever you live. From elevated essentials to small yet luxurious touches, here are fourteen things to bring a little bit of the Hamptons to your home. Diptyque Citronella Lemongrass & Geranium Scented Cleansing Hand And Body Gel It's safe to say Diptyque Citronella Lemongrass & Geranium is officially the scent of the summer. It not only smells as fresh as a bowl of lemons on a kitchen table (so very Nancy Meyers), but it also discourages mosquitoes from biting the skin. The body spray was so popular it sold out quickly, so stock up on this limited-edition body and hand gel while it is still available. Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle While this candle smells like like Europe, it feels like The Hamptons. The green glass vessel looks super stylish on any table or bookshelf. And if you can't get enough of this earthy yet sophisticated scent, soaps (hand, dish, and bar) as well as cleaning spray and lotion are available. Business & Pleasure x Elsa Hosk Collection Part of making your home feel like it's in the Hamptons is having a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. After the popularity of last year's line with supermodel Elsa Hosk, Business & Pleasure launched a new collection for 2025. Featuring blue and yellow solids and cabana stripes, there's everything from lounge chairs to dining furniture and accessories available. Polywood Kids Outdoor Picnic Table Is it summer anywhere without kids running around? This tiny picnic table is a charming classic that adds to any outdoor space. It's available in fourteen different colors, but white has the most timeless Hamptons look. Pom Pom at Home Kelly Duvet Cover This scalloped duvet is sweet and charming. While scallops are definitely on-trend right now, they never go out of style out east. With five colors available, it's safe to say the French blue piping is the chicest. Best of all, the linen is equally sleek and soft—perfect for those sleepy summer nights. Cozy Earth Down Alternative Comforter There's nothing more comfortable and luxe than a fluffy blanket, which is why we love how plush Cozy Earth's Down Alternative Comforter is. Available in Standard and Lightweight, it's a staple that's essential for any summer house. Helix Luxe Collection There's nothing that makes you feel like you're on vacation more than a fantastic mattress. So, if you want to feel like you're sleeping in a hotel or a gorgeous home every day, it might be time to treat yourself to a new one. Helix Luxe mattresses are available for back, stomach, and side sleepers. And yes, there's even an organic version. June St. George Evelyn Knit Blanket June St. George might be a Southern brand, but it happily fits into any Hamptons (or Hampton-inspired) home. Ideal for chilly nights, to decorate a bed, or draped gracefully over a sofa or accent chair, this machine-washable blanket is sustainably made in the USA. Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting Natural Inspirations Table Lamp Add this Argyle Diamond Natural Inspirations Table Lamp to your favorite bedside or accent table. This luxury lighting piece is made from sculpted quartz blown glass with a base that looks like sea glass. With several shades and bases available, it's Hamptons coastal chic at its finest. Pooky Drake Cordless Wall Fitting Still, there's nothing more Hamptons than a sconce like Pooky's Drake Cordless Wall Fitting. Choose from wood or brass, along with a shade to complement your decor. These beautiful details are thoughtful choice that add big design impact. Beach Path By Adriane Stark Fill your walls with the most charming settings of the Hamptons, including this photograph taken on Dune Road in Quogue entitled Beach Path by fine art photographer Adriane Stark of Adriane Stark Studio. The image adds a summery vibe to any space. Weezie Floral Scallop Bath Towels Towels aren't just for drying off after the shower or taking to the beach—they make a statement. And there's no brand doing it better than Weezie. These Floral Scallop Bath Towels are sweet and summery. Best of all, they can be customized with a generous variety of monograms. It's also the perfect housewarming or hostess gift. Rifle Paper Company Classic Books Judge these Rifle Paper Company Classic Books by their covers because they are absolutely gorgeous. Illustrated by the brand's talented founder, Anna Bond, they're the perfect thing to leave out on a shelf or nightstand. Choose from seven titles, including Emma, Anne of Green Gables, and Heidi. Varnish Collection Champagne Stand Cheers to this chic wicker champagne stand from Varnish Collection. Perfect for serving guests (or yourself), this wicker statement piece can be used both indoors and outdoors.
