Ten Things I learned from Living Alone in Tunis5 min read

Dear readers,

You probably noticed by now that I finally have more time to share more articles with you. Hopefully those posts help make those days of confinement less boring. As so of you already know by now, I really like writing in general and the fact that I get to do this here without any pressure about the topics is amazing.

Articles written by me:

• 10 Things to Know If Invited for a Tunisian Iftar
• 9 Things to Know about Ramadan in Tunisia
• 10 Tunisian Road-Trip Snacks
• Tunisian Shall Stop Doing These 5 Things
• For the Love of Tuna?
• Brunching But NOT the Tunisian way?

Well, this past February, I celebrate my sixth year living solo in Tunis. I left my parent’s house when I was 18 for school and by the age of 23, I was rented my own apartment and started living by myself here in the capital city of Tunisia. I recall my first day in Tunis and I can’t help being thankful for how far I made it in the past few years. To celebrate that I wanted to share with you a list of ten things I learned from the solo journey here:

#1. You Will Get Used to Being Away from Home & Family

The first few months were the most challenging period because I was new in the city, had no car, no friends and everything is hard to figure out. I think that the one thing that helped me adjust is the fact that I ask questions and do not mind getting lost. I don’t pretend that I know it all and I ask people questions if I can’t find my way.

#2. You Can’t Change a Light Bulb!

That’s okay, I couldn’t do that either! The first time I had to do that I remember being worried about how can I do that? But then I was like I either do this myself or wait for the landlord to come fix it whenever he or she can. The thought of being dependent on someone wasn’t something I like so I looked up a YouTube Tutorial and VOILA! I was able to do it all by myself and it was easy.

#3. Rent is the Most Challenging Part

Rent can be the most challenging part of the whole solo journey. I had to move to three different places in one year and half. I was able to do that because I made sure I do not own or buy tons of useless things. So by the time I needed to change places, I was able to do that easily. Moving can be super challenging if you live by yourself because it is pricey and tiring too. Go minimalist and that will solve it. I haven’t bought anything until I finally realized that I like my apartment and I will be staying there for few years.

#4. It is Okay Not to Know your Next-door Neighbor

I have been living in the same apartment for more than 5 years and I barely know my next-door neighbors. Whenever I see them, I say hi and smile but that’s all the interaction we have. People seem to have busy lives here and most of the time they will not have time for socializing with neighbors.

#5. You Will aMke Friends Eventually

I remember that the most challenging part was making friends in Tunis. I was able to meet people from work mostly, but I was open to being part of volunteering opportunities where I met some of the coolest people ever.

#6. Solo Life is Fun when you are on Top of the Priorities

There will be bills to be paid on time, rent that should be sent to the landlord on a specific date and time. The secret in having a calendar with the key dates of certain recurrent events. It works perfectly in case you need to remember to pay the phone or internet bill.

#7. Having your Own Place is Priceless

Having your own place is priceless. I’m endlessly thankful to have a place I love, and I call home. I call it my safe heaven where I know that at the end of the day, I will be able to enjoy some quiet time away from everything around me here.

#8. Have Rules to Visitors

I always let my family members know that I like things to be in certain order, so I don’t have to look for them when someone comes to visit. This is difficult when my mom comes to visit because she just turns the kitchen to her own space and I learned that after several discussions it is better to let her do whatever she wants and once she leave I will take an hour to arrange it to the old order. Moms drive us crazy, but they are the best.

#9. Some Landlords Can Be a Real Pain

Some landlords can be a real pain so make sure you set the rules with them since the very beginning. Never add them on social media, don’t invite them for coffee or a drink, make sure you keep the relationship super professional. You don’t want them to think they are your parents and start asking you dumb questions like why you are late and who is that guy or things like that. You are renting their place and that should be it.

#10. Time for Self-discovery

Solo life will help you know a lot about who you are and what you can or cannot stand. It is that time in life where you will face tons of challenges, but you must deal with them all alone.

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