Need encouragement (living on my own)

06/03/25 6:19pm

I tried living with my best friend for 1 1/2 years and it wasn't a good idea because we have different living habits and I realized I missed living by myself. I'm saving money to move out, it'll take approximately 2 months. She's a great person but I am stressed because on top of not being able to live together her cat dominates the house and scares my cat to the point she only wants to stay in a small bedroom. My friend is great as a best friend but she's lazy and needy. I want to feel encouraged that living again on my own will make me happy. But I just need to know if anyone else has experienced this. I'm building resentments toward her and that is why leaving will save our 28 year friendship

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wikiHow Editorial Team

06/03/25 6:20pm

If you want to keep the friendship without feeling upset or angry toward her, then it probably is the right decision to move out. Just because someone is a really good friend doesn't always mean they'll be the best person to live with. If you're feeling stressed or upset with her more than you're enjoying her company, then getting the space from each other can definitely help out. It's very likely that living on your own will reduce your stress and allow you to feel freer and happier!

When you tell your roommate you're moving out , be honest about the reasons why and use "I" statements to tell her how you're feeling. You might say something like, "I feel stressed taking on a lot of responsibilities at home and my cat is stressed out, and I think it's best that I live on my own." Let her know that you still care about her and want to remain friends, but you're interested in living on your own right now.

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Eze Sanchez
Life & Relationship Coach

06/03/25 6:59pm

When you're telling your roommate you want to move out, setting a time that's distraction-free can be very supportive for having this potentially challenging conversation. That way, you can chat without it being so sudden or having to feel rushed.

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Selenarrr11

06/05/25 7:16pm

You should definitely leave but tell her respectfully that it's just not working out and she's a great friend but you would rather live by yourself. It's not bad at all to just want to live by yourself. Having a roommate can be stressful sometimes, especially when you just want some alone time.

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