STAGE OF LIFE       Share Your Story       Coupons       Education Resources
Sign Up Now!

Featured Blogs about On My Own

Singles share thoughts on relationships and living On My Own.

Contact Stage of Life as a Featured BloggerBefore reading the below essays submitted by our featured bloggers...

Do you write?  Do you have your own blog?  Do you want a national venue to share your thoughts and advice?  Contact Us if you want to be considered as a Featured Blogger on Stage of Life in the On My Own stage.

On My Own Blog Archive

Wanderlust

Posted by: michness on 04/03/2013

The one thing I regret from my college experience was opting not to study abroad. I was ahead in credits and had the chance to study or do an internship in London for a semester, but I decided not to at the last minute because I didn't want to take out any loans to fund the trip. Although I'm glad I graduated college debt free, I've found that I've been itching to live in another country--for a month, for a semester, for a year, for forever? Who knows?

Does anyone know of a program w... Read More

I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here!

Posted by: MichaelNYC on 05/01/2009

If you’re like most people, the first place you live that you can truly call your own will be a rental. Mostly apartments, but now and then, there are those lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it...) folks who rent a house. Either way, you’ll find yourself looking at places and deciding - often with very little time to consider - if you should “go for it” and sign a lease. When you find yourself combing through the “For Rent” ads online or meeting with a broker, just remember one... Read More

Spam for Singletons

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 06/13/2012

I’ve never had a spam issue and I now know how lucky I am. But that changed when I fell for a free airline ticket enticement on Facebook. I backed out of the offer, but not before giving my email address to 800,000 spammers. Now I get 25-50 every day, which doesn’t sound like much unless you don’t usually get spammed. They go into my spam folder, but I check through them to make sure nothing legit went there in error. I suppose I could change my address, but my email is my business address and ... Read More

Is “Single” Tattooed on my Forehead?

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 04/30/2012

After many years of marriage, I’m divorced, in the “non-elective” single category. Although there are aspects of being single that are appealing, it wasn’t my idea, I often don’t like it and it’s been a big adjustment. Settling into this new life is especially challenging when you have constant reminders that for many people, single=loser. Since I continue to be a slow-adapter in this area, I’m probably hyper-alert to the discriminatory tendencies of the hooked-up demographic. But it’s very rea... Read More

Are You Too Old for a Roomie?

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 04/18/2012

Two of my single, divorced friends have recently talked about getting a roommate. These aren’t young adults just out of college or looking for jobs; one is late thirties and the other, my age – 50+. Personally, I find the idea rather horrifying. Share my space with another person to whom I’m not married or related? Yikes! Still in the ... Read More

Eating Before Bed, Not So Bad...

Posted by: Karl on 04/10/2012

I always find myself laying in bed wide awake at night, struggling to fall asleep. I never imagined it could be because of the the bowl of ice cream I eat while watching my favorite show or the soda with dinner. As far as sleep quality is concerned, midnight snacks aren’t always a bad idea. Just make sure you eat the right stuff.

A number of sleep articles and tips for getting a good night’s sleep recommend not eating too close to bedtime. Our bodies will remain active in digestion,... Read More

Spring Cleaning? You’re Kidding, Right?

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 03/30/2012

I’m really not a slob and my house isn’t that dirty if you don’t look too close. But recently, the late afternoon sun started hitting some of my furniture, revealing some interesting dust patterns. I was surprised no one had written “wash me” as a hint to get out the dust rag. But since I live alone, that wouldn’t happen unless I had any clean-freak friends. Fortunately, most of my friends have a high tolerance for mess in my house. Well, except for my pal who has a cleaning side business, but ... Read More

Refi Madness

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 03/21/2012

Recently I received good news from the Refinance Fairy – I did indeed qualify to refinance my house at an incredibly low rate. This was surprising news since I’m in that oft-shunned category of “divorced, single, self-employed female.” The words “self-employed” alone send mortgage lenders running in fear for their dollars. But after gathering the requisite huge pil... Read More

Getting engaged?

Posted by: mcoly618 on 03/14/2012

As a female, in my twenties, I often day dream about my engagement/wedding. If you are like me, you have probably looked at engagement rings a time or two and have the perfect one in mind. However, our significant others may have no clue where to begin. I found these helpful engagement ring tips on ICE's blog.

If you are picking out sparkling diamonds for your signifi... Read More

Yes, I DO Need 2,500 Sq. Ft.

Posted by: NancyMyMoves on 02/28/2012

Although I’ve admitted to condo envy, I found myself recently defending my choice to stay in my home. At almost 2,500 square feet it’s a bit big for just me and an 8-lb. cat. But he and I like our space. After all, there are so many possible spots for naps. But it wasn’t just my mother, living happily in a tiny house who speculated on why I’d want such a large house. Admittedly, it’s a lot of work for one person to manage (I can’t seem to interest the cat in learning to vacuum). But there are a... Read More

To bed without Supper

Posted by: Akimbo on 03/03/2011

I went a whole week and a half without milk. I have this crazy obsession with cereal: when I have cereal and milk in the house, that is all I eat as I neglect to set off the fire alarm with my cooking skills. After two weeks of near depravity from my easy access food, I bought the pink gallon of dairy and proceeded to open up the neglected box of shredded wheats.

With one bite, my taste buds rejected me. It tasted bland. It tasted like nothing, but at the same time like a very bad so... Read More

Helping Others This Holiday Season

Posted by: Penelope on 12/23/2011

As a future-mom (I'm not pregnant now but would like to have a family someday), I wanted to share this information with others who can help. Every year, thousands of people of all ages are diagnosed with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases. Without a bone marrow transplant or cord blood, many of them will die. FACT: 70% of people do not have a donor in their family and depend on the Be The Match Registry® to find a match to save their life.

Here is where you come in...
... Read More

When I was Single...

Posted by: Penelope on 11/30/2011

Looking back at when I was single and just graduated college, I remember how much I loved free stuff. When I came across this sweepstake from Bare Necessities, I knew I had to share it with the On My Own members.

Bare Necessities is giving away a fabulous sleepwear wardrobe to a randomly selected winner. The wardrobe, contains the coziest sleepwear necessities, will include Dearfoams Thermal an... Read More

Single, Need a New Bra, and Lingerie Wardrobe?

Posted by: Kylie on 11/10/2011

As a single female, living on my own, I struggle to go shopping let alone go on dates. In an effort to help my bra and lingerie wardrobe, I found this great sweepstakes by Bare Necessities.

Bare Necessities is celebrating their 5 millionth bra! Thirteen years after launching as a small internet sta... Read More

Simple Goal Setting Worksheet for Singles

Posted by: Kylie on 12/29/2010

I wanted to share Stage of Life's free, universal goal setting worksheet.

Whether you use it as your "New Year's Resolution To-Do" list or as a tool to kick off fresh start with your life, this 10-step worksheet will help get you proactively thinking about the goals, possibilities and opportunities ahead.

View and print the Goal Setting Worksheet
Read More

Pick-Up Lines: The Pursuit of Youth

Posted by: riserthinking on 10/08/2011

It can be argued that chivalry is dead. In pondering about this, I know what is very much alive: caution. Taking public transportation as my primary mode of getting around, I have encountered men who seemed to be looking for dates. They had the same pick-up line combination: “What your name? How old are you?” How old am I?? I guess age would be an issue considering the fact that the men were probably twice my age already. Many times it was obvious that I was already in college: the university ... Read More

21st Birthday

Posted by: gabsrcl on 09/24/2011

On Wednesday, I celebrated a milestone birthday. I turned 21. To most people this means tons of drinking, partying, and all around irresponsibility. To me, it meant that I have to get up and intern the next day so I am definitely not drinking. I live with my parents, still, and my little sister is still here. I don't feel right getting completely inebriated just to come home and disturb them. However, we are going out this weekend, so the balance is going to be thin. Ahh, the joys of growing up... Read More

Finding a Bra that Actually Does It's Job

Posted by: Kylie on 09/21/2011

As a single woman, I don't have a lot of money to spend on bras. I know how important it is to find the right bra instead of wasting money on a bunch of bras that don't do the job. Check out these great tips for finding the right bra from BareNecessities.com. These tips helped me a lot and I bet they can help other single ladies like me...

1. Put your bra on...Take the opposi... Read More

Who Inspires You?

Posted by: gabsrcl on 08/30/2011

Lately, every celebrity interview I read they are talking about who inspired them to become the person they are. Who was your role model back in the day? Well, now I am flipping the table a bit. Who inspires you?

My answer to this is simple. My mom inspires me. From day 1 (literally) she has been by my side, always supporting me. While we hit some rough patches along the way (I wanted to be an adult at 12, she didn't think that was the best idea) she has never faltered in being there... Read More

A Learning Experience

Posted by: mcoly618 on 08/26/2011

My life has taken some major twists and turns since we last chatted, but I'm growing as an adult, woman, and overall human being. I have encountered people and conversations that have made me laugh and cry and feel everything emotion in between.

With all my college buddies returning to school this week, I have found my emotions on a roller coaster ride. I am also moving this weekend, not back to college, but into my first place. Although I should be nothing but completely happy and ... Read More

Going Vegetarian?

Posted by: LauraJayne on 05/11/2010

Given my recent affair with tofu, I have realized that I could, realistically, give vegetarianism a try. Simply being able to do something, however, is rarely valid as the sole reason to do something. However, I have wanted to try vegetarianism for years because of the multitude of health benefits that come along with eliminating meat from my diet! I should preface this post by stating that I am not a "bleeding" heart animal lover who feels bad for cows and chickens. I don't. I'm not suppo... Read More

Wanted: Roommates

Posted by: gabsrcl on 08/02/2011

I've come to the conclusion that parents make home life too comfortable. If they were rude, uninviting, and didn't provide every necessity, people would move out faster.

I didn't think it was so bizarre for me to want my own place after graduating college, but apparently I am in the minority here. None of my friends are quite ready to part with the cozy living at their parents house. Do I find a place by myself? Stay with my parents and teenaged siblings until my friends are prepare... Read More

When Did I Become an adult?

Posted by: gabsrcl on 06/22/2011

I have to say, being in your early twenties is a confusing state of life. As a teenager, I thought I was so "misunderstood." I realize now that was just the beginning. You see, as a young twenty-something, you aren't a teenager anymore, so people view you as more responsible. However, they don't truly view you as an adult yet either. It's a lose-lose situation.
I was talking with my mom and boyfriend today and the idea dawned on me, "When did I become boring and start having conversations ... Read More

Do-Over

Posted by: KirstenD on 05/04/2011

May 4, 2011 8:00 a.m.

My name is Kirsten. I am 36 years old. I’m single. I lost my career path somewhere between the Limelight and 9/11. I thought I’d find it by coming home to Minnesota but instead I found a dead end and an extra 50 pounds. Most people my age are married (some for the second time), they have kids, and they seem incredibly content. At least that’s what their Facebooks tell me. I envy their status updates, their rosy-cheeked children, and clear paths.
Read More

If you’d like to make a call, please hang up and dial again

Posted by: KirstenD on 05/18/2011

Yup okay. I’m here. I wish I could say I’m smiling from ear to ear, that my transition back to New York has been amazing and magical and that I 100% know I’ve done the right thing by coming back here. But the truth is I’m suffering a wicked bout of whiplash for which there is no fashionable foamy collar. If you’ve ever moved to New York maybe you know what I mean. Especially if you’ve moved from an area where you would drive, like I did. Now I walk. I walk the streets with lots of other ... Read More

 1 of 4    Next>>

Find Us on Facebook      Follow Us on Twitter     Read our Founder's Blog

StageofLife.com is an education-based, grassroots, non-partisan, free blogging community with a mission support digital literacy by making the world a better place, one story, essay and blog at a time.  Stage of Life users (teens, college students, Millennials, Gen Y, Gen X, and Baby Boomers) can share and archive their life stories via their Stage of Life profile page and specialized content includes digital literacy resources, lesson plans and writing prompts for Language Arts teachers and other writing educators, monthly writing contests for high school students and older generations, student blogging initiatives, blog directories, and financial literacy tools, including Life Rewards® - a free discount program for all Stage of Life users, readers and writers dedicated to providing printable coupons and coupon codes tailored towards each stage of life.

Terms of Service and Privacy