Women Who Live Alone Share The Home Safety Tips That Help Them Sleep Easier At Night
Bella DePaulo, a 71-year-old author and social psychologist, has lived alone her entire adult life.
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
Condé Nast Traveler
37 minutes ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Destination Wedding
As the mother of the bride or groom, you play a pretty special role in your child's wedding—and you deserve to look and feel as special as you are! Luckily, plenty of fashion brands offer wedding guest dresses and outfits that reflect this important role, with styles that come in various silhouettes, necklines, and fabrics. And we found the best of the best. The elegant dresses you'll find below really rise to occasion—because even though you may have attended dozens of weddings in your lifetime, you're not just a regular guest here. On your son or daughter's big day, you're a true guest of honor. So, whether the celebration is a black-tie affair in Lake Como or a casual beachside ceremony along California's Pacific Coast, we have you covered with 25 fabulous dresses that'll hopefully help you find the one (just like your kid did!). Keep scrolling for all of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses, or jump right to the type of wedding you're attending to find the perfect fit for you. Black-tie weddings When the invitation says 'black tie,' it's code for 'fancy.' This attire, unlike any other designation, is where you come to sparkle—both literally and figuratively. Floor-length gowns are a must, and a little dazzle in the form of sequins or rhinestones never hurts. If shine isn't your thing, no problem; just keep it elegant with lush fabrics that scream elegance, like jacquard and satin. While solid colors have historically been the norm, prints are also welcome—just use your discretion, of course. Black-tie weddings also tend to take place in the evening, so dresses that cover your arms and shoulders (at least partly) can make you feel more comfortable as the night cools down. Betsy & Adam mermaid gown $269 Nordstrom Formal/black-tie optional Weddings with formal attire still indicate an elevated affair, but require a little less formality than a black-tie evening. That means fabrics can be a little less luxurious and embellished, you can feel free to wear brighter colors, and you can try showing off a fun neckline. You should aim for elegance, but you have a bit more flexibility. Also, balance is key for formal attire. For example, if you're choosing a traditionally high-end fabric like lace, you can pair it with an unexpected color, like a metallic. Semi-formal weddings This category is the Goldilocks of wedding attire: not quite formal and not too casual. It's right in the middle. Consider it synonymous with dressy casual, a setting where mothers of the bride and groom can feel perfectly appropriate wearing a tea-length dress or a jumpsuit in a lavish fabric. Here, feel free to wear looks that have relaxed silhouettes instead of form-fitting styles. Cocktail attire Confusing as it might seem, the formula here is pretty simple: Mix a slightly pared-down version of formal attire with the option to add a little flair, and you get cocktail attire. Dress lengths that fall to the knee or below it are ideal, and you can add lushness with glittering beads or scalloped-edge lace as you please. Color is also key here, with cocktail attire allowing mothers of the bride or groom to lean into brighter hues and away from the darker tones that are commonplace with formal or black-tie occasions. Casual attire Think easy fabrics and comfortable silhouettes that still lean into the formality of a wedding, even if the relaxed celebration takes place at a rustic-chic farm or in a cozy backyard. In other words, casual attire is a slightly more dressed-up version of your everyday look. As a guest of honor, this is a space where you can add a tinge of embellishment—like rosette detailing—to your typical elevated attire and still find yourself well within the appropriate dress code. Beach weddings A beachside wedding signals an all-important message to guests: Go with color. No matter the time of day or setting—either at a dreamy Caribbean resort or an informal gathering on the sand in Florida—beach-inspired hues reign supreme. Whether your sartorial look is inspired by tranquil ocean waters or the sunset's rays, opt for colors and prints that complement the natural setting. Thankfully, an array of dresses fit the bill, with comfortable, loose-fitting options in lightweight materials that will make any mother feel beautiful.
Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
14 plants to try for a sweeter-smelling backyard
When selecting plants for an outdoor space, it's easy to let your eyes do the picking. While pots of bold, colorful flowers always cheer up an outdoor space, don't overlook another key sense: smell. Scented plants perfume the air, attract pollinators and can help you relax. Here are some easy-to-care-for options to help you enjoy those lazy, sunny days.
Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Washington Post
A century ago, this designer set women free. And gave them pockets.
Claire McCardell, forgotten by too many, is the ingenious designer who understood that women could be comfortable and stylish. Imagine that. Naturally, she was an American, born in Frederick, Maryland, in 1905. McCardell put women in ballet slippers, denim, leggings, modern bathing suits, dolman sleeves, leotards and wrap dresses (decades before Diane von Furstenberg). She gave women pockets, which had long been deemed unseemly in female attire, even empowering and dangerous, as they could conceal love letters, money, a pistol. Nobel Prizes have been bestowed for less.
