Living alone is often portrayed in media as either a lonely isolation or a chaotic bachelor(ette) pad, but the reality is much more nuanced. It is a unique life stage that offers a rare opportunity for radical self-discovery. When the only person you have to answer to is yourself, you gain a level of autonomy that is hard to find in any other living situation.

If you’ve recently moved into your own place or are looking to spark more joy in your solo lifestyle, here are seven ways to truly embrace and enjoy living alone.

1. Curate Your Sanctuary
When you live with roommates or a partner, every piece of furniture is a compromise. When you live alone, your home is a pure reflection of your psyche.

Indulge your aesthetic: If you want a neon sign in the kitchen or a minimalist living room with no TV, do it.

Sensory details: Invest in the high-thread-count sheets you love or the specific scent of candles that make you feel at peace.

2. Master the “Table for One”
One of the greatest joys of solo living is the total control over your menu. You can spend three hours braising a complex stew, or you can have cereal for dinner over the sink—and both are perfectly valid choices.

The Benefit: There is no “What do you want for dinner?” “I don’t know, what do you want?” loop.

The Goal: Learn to cook at least three signature meals that make you feel nourished and proud, even if there’s no one else there to compliment the chef.