For many young adults, the idea of moving out sparks a sense of freedom—late-night meals, no curfews, and a space entirely your own. It’s a milestone often romanticized in movies and on social media, where independence is portrayed as effortlessly liberating.
But in real life, the freedom of living alone comes with silent rooms, unshared responsibilities, and a kind of solitude that can either shake you or shape you.
For Maria Louise Enriquez, 24, living alone wasn’t something she chose for comfort. It was a decision shaped by circumstances. Now working in the marketing department of Robinsons Easymart, Louise left the familiarity of her home in Bulacan to build a life on her own in Quezon City.
What began as a temporary setup during her training has since become her everyday reality—a life where each morning begins in stillness, and every task is her own to carry.
The First Step: Fear and Freedom
Moving out wasn’t just a change in location. For Louise, it was a personal shift. “At first, I felt scared because I kept thinking that if something happened or I needed help, no one would be nearby. I didn’t know anyone in the area, not even a relative, so it really felt like I was on my own,” she recalls.
Still, beneath the worry, something else stirred. “There was a sense of excitement. No one would be setting rules for me, though I’m aware of my own limits. It felt like a new chance to meet people and grow independently.”
“I chose to live on my own because commuting daily from Bulacan to Quezon City is exhausting,” she adds. “It was a hard decision, especially since it meant being away from the people I love. But that first taste of independence during my OJT at my grandmother’s house made me realize I could actually do it.”
Daily Struggles and Quiet Victories
Once the dust settled, Louise began to see what it truly meant in living alone. The silence, at times, grew heavy.
“The hardest part is having to stay strong—physically and emotionally,” she says. “There are days when I’m really tired, but I still have to keep going because no one else is there to do it for me.”
From meal prep to managing stress, every task became a measure of her growth. “Lahat ako,” she shares. “But in spite of everything, I’m becoming more responsible and independent.”
Faith and self-care became her anchors. “My faith in God helps me get through the challenges of living alone. Even though I’m far from my family and friends, I make sure to stay connected with them because they’re my biggest support system.”
Over time, Louise learned to process her emotions. “At first, I used to suppress what I felt, which I know isn’t healthy. But now I’ve learned to recognize and understand my feelings.” Hiking became a surprising form of healing. “Climbing a mountain gave me peace. Being surrounded by nature, away from all the noise, felt like a reset.”
What Living Alone Taught Her
Living alone didn’t just teach Louise how to manage a household. It helped her grow into herself. She became more self-reliant and accountable, managing everything from time and finances to chores. But emotionally, the growth ran deeper.
“I developed the ability to sit with my thoughts, confront my emotions, and understand who I am. I used to need constant comfort and reassurance, but now I know how—though not completely—to take care of myself and keep going.”
Anchored in Faith, Grounded in Self
Looking back, Louise doesn’t just see a young woman adjusting to adulthood. She sees someone who has grown spiritually and emotionally through solitude.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned from living alone is not only how to rely on myself but also how to rely on God,” she says. Her faith, she shares, became her guide in moments of doubt and helped her navigate unfamiliar ground.
“I’ve found meaning in daily rituals, comfort in solitude, and clarity in silence. It wasn’t easy, but living alone made room for maturity, self-discovery, and faith. I’ve learned to make my own decisions, advocate for myself, and stay grounded even under pressure.”
For Louise, solitude is not an empty space to fill. It’s where strength quietly takes root. Living alone became more than a practical move—it became a personal journey of courage, grace, and becoming.
A Story That Speaks to Many
Louise’s living alone story is her own, yet it reflects the quiet battles and growth of many learning to stand alone. In a world where moving out often marks adulthood, she reminds us that independence is not just about living apart—it’s about learning to be at peace with yourself.