I had my own apartment for about a year before Eric and I moved in together. It had advantages, but the apartment didn't allow pets and I don't like being without one. I went out a lot with friends and didn't spend a lot of time there.

I like having time to myself, but I prefer living with someone. Eric and I have pretty different schedules, so we mainly see each other only on the weekends...if I didn't have my pets, I would feel kind of lonely, especially during the winter months when it's not that pleasant to be outside.