Cohabitation isn’t a foreign concept. It’s been going on for generations. Some refer to it as “playing house”, others like to call it “shacking up”. I call it a “Hell Nah” and here’s why.

I’m an introvert and I like being alone. A lot. I enjoy getting together with my friends every now and then and my weekend shopping trips with my mom, but I like my alone time. I need my space. I enjoy lounging in my pajamas, watching Golden Girls on DVD or having an impromptu jam session, party of one.

I hate when people touch my belongings without my permission. I like when things are done a certain way, but most of all, I don’t deal well with uncertainty.

I’ve never been the type to leap into anything haphazardly. I like to go with the flow, but I also like to plan. Until I’ve met “the one” and we’ve known each other for some time and plan on being married, I can’t ever see myself living with my future significant other.

It has nothing to do with religious beliefs and everything to do with privacy and security. Some people live together because it works for them and their relationship while others do it for the sake of getting help with the bills. If the relationship doesn’t work out, then what happens? If Ricky can’t come up with his part of the rent, what am I supposed to do?

I’d like to think I’m a modern-day woman with an open mind, but that’s one thing I can’t get down with. It’s just not for me. I realize no relationship is perfect, but that’s not a risk I’m willing to take. Sorry, not sorry.

One’s living arrangement is none of my business if it doesn’t pertain to my own, but I personally can’t see myself splitting the bills with someone unless marriage is involved.

At this point, I don’t even want a roommate if I can help it. I did it in college for two and half years and that was enough. I would prefer my own space to do what I want and not have to consider someone else’s feelings or preferences. Once I move out on my own, I’ll know for sure that bills are paid or if I’m craving a bowl of Talenti gelato when I get home from work, it’ll be in the freezer where I left it.

It almost reminds me of the days I shared a room with my sister when we were kids and I absolutely hated that. There’s nothing like being alone in my own space. On those rainy fall nights, I like to sit in the dark with my window up, burn a pineapple mango candle, put my iPod on shuffle and chill. No worries, no interruptions.

God forbid I ever get married, I don’t know what I’m gonna do then. In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy my candle collections, iPod on shuffle and Golden Girls DVD collection.

Jaida