As a therapist, I often meet people who are depressed about living alone. Unfortunately, this often causes them to make impulsive decisions about relationships that cause them great regret as time progresses. Of course, no one wants to be totally "alone", but living a single life does not mean you must give up all social contact. In fact, the ability to choose when and with whom to spend your time, is a wonderful advantage to improving the quality of your social connections. After a period of living with someone else (either a significant other or a roommate), it does take some adjustment. This is where some of us make our mistake - seeing that period of adjustment as a permanent state of being. In fact, we can convince ourselves of our desperate loneliness and extend that feeling until it becomes more lengthy and more painful than it could be, if we simply change our thoughts about it in the first place.
Rather than focusing on the thought, "I am alone," try focusing on "I am free to do as I choose," and "I can relax and decide on my own priorities." These are not absolute statements, of course. It is not necessary to value independence or autonomy as the only "good" qualities in life. I am not ruling out the joys of sharing with other people or even the joys of having a partner or a spouse. You can remember that among your many choices, you will still have the choice of being with someone, either for a limited time or for an extended time. But, the point is, you have the choice. This is something to celebrate. You can learn to enjoy it, so that you do not jump into something you will later regret.
