That's how it is. I live alone too and always have but more so now, as I don't share at all. When I moved, I had to do everything myself, no help from anyone. There was no furniture, bed, cooking etc. It was empty shell and I put down carpet, bought ladder to put in bulbs in high ceiling, bed, fridge, even dragged an oven inside (although taxi man helped).

Yet, despite all this, I was still involved in a very unhealthy co-dependent relationship. I felt an inner conflict. When I told myself, I was strong and can cope without a man (which I can), my behaviour seemed to say the opposite. It is only this year, after Xmas that I truly am feeling far more independent. That feeling you have when you know you can cope with anything. I still get times when I fall back into old trap but they are getting less frequent. I know I can break unhealthy patterns and am well on the way. I don't think I could ever go back to how it was before. It may seem strange to really stand alone but it brings out the best in me, I hope! :)