Another Way America Has it Wrong

I had no idea how hard it was to live by yourself... until I started living with people again.

It was a strange transition. Moving from NC, where I had ALWAYS lived, and lived with 2+ people, I didn't know what was affecting me more... the new city, not knowing anyone, still getting established, stress of grad school, stress of no income, finding an internship... It was impossible to pick out the effects of living alone and separate them from any number of reasons for emotional distress. Now, that I live in with people again (and on a whole new level of 'community'... BUNK BEDS, 'nuf said), I am beginning to realize how much living alone had affected my psyche. I am not made for it.

So, pardon my "Blue Like Jazz" reference... but Donald Miller has a few things to say about the importance on living in community and I am finding new appreciation for them, and their validity. Community is entirely undervalued in our society. I can't even count the number of people who said one of the following when I informed them of my new living arrangement:

1) "I love living by myself, I don't want to live with roommates again... you know, until I get married"
2) "I could never share a room!"
3) "You better be sure you will get along with your roommates, especially if you are sharing a room"

Now, I understand that independence carries a unique level of value in American culture, especially in comparison to most of the world, which is communal in nature, but I am not convinced it is a good idea. It's like Donald Miller says... living with people teaches you how to live with people.

When I read the three statements above, I realize the level of selfishness that is acceptable, and even encouraged in our society. If we can't live with other people, even people we won't always see eye-to-eye with... what does that say about us?

Anyway, I think I have made my point without rambling on in some self-righteous rant. The moral of the story: I like living with people.