I was on my own for about 8 years between college and when I got married. I don't remember exactly, but I would say maybe five of those I had a roommate and for three I lived alone. Being entirely self supporting was an excellent experience and one I would not trade for anything. I even enjoyed living alone. That said, I don't want to do it again at this later stage in my life. If anything happened to my husband, I would definitely want to find someone with whom to share a home.