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Pandas, being single is often viewed as a phase of life that will eventually end when someone meets the “right” person. But the truth is that singlehood can look very different for everyone. Some people are happily embracing their independence, while others are taking time to understand themselves, focus on their goals, heal from past relationships, or simply enjoy the life they have built on their own.

Of course, sharing life with a loving partner can be a beautiful experience, but living alone has its own quiet joys too. You can choose what to eat, spend your free time exactly how you want, watch the same comfort show for the tenth time, and even fart as loudly as you please without worrying about anyone else’s opinion! In today’s collection, people are sharing the funny, relatable, and surprisingly wholesome reasons they enjoy being single and living alone. Keep scrolling, Pandas, and see which of these perks you can relate to the most.

#1

A happy woman relaxing on a couch, illustrating the joy of living alone and being single. I'm no longer somebody's unpaid maid, chef, assistant, and therapist.

shanrileyyy , Getty Images (not the actual photo) Report

troufaki13
Community Member
15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the other hand, I have to do everything by myself and I have no one to blame when it's a total mess 😭

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    #2

    A woman wrapped in a blanket, enjoying a hot drink while living alone in her home. The lighting and temperature is exactly how I like it.

    shanrileyyy , Slaapwijsheid.nl (not the actual photo) Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the cats would prefer it warmer, but they're not the ones having hot flashes. 😁

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    #3

    A happy young woman sticking out her tongue, showing the joy of being single and living alone. I can be ugly in peace.

    shanrileyyy , Curated Lifestyle (not the actual photo) Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And it doesn't matter what I'm wearing

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    Not too long ago, many people viewed being single in a negative light—as a sign of loneliness, incompleteness, or even personal failure. For much of human history, coupling up was treated as the expected path, and marriage was often seen as an important marker of adulthood, stability, and success. But attitudes toward singlehood have gradually changed.

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    Today, more people are choosing to focus on their independence, careers, friendships, personal goals, and happiness rather than entering a relationship simply because they feel they are supposed to. In fact, The Economist estimated that the world had at least 100 million more single people in 2025 than it would have had if coupling rates had remained as high as they were in 2017.

    #4

    A woman covers her ears in bed next to a man, suggesting she secretly loves being single. No one is snoring when I'm trying to fall asleep.

    shanrileyyy , Curated Lifestyle (not the actual photo) Report

    driedgrapes
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Silicone earplugs works wonders if you have to sleep next to a LOUD snorer.

    #5

    A woman looking upset with her hand on her forehead, and a man looking away, representing feelings of being single. Not having to manage someone else emotions.

    kaylie4628 , Getty Images (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Manage is a strong word...share feels more "relationship" oriented.

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    #6

    A woman happily lounging on a couch, eating snacks and watching TV, enjoying being single and living alone. If my body needs rest I can spend a day in bed watching the type of movies/shows I love without someone calling me lazy.

    nicola.hunt , Stephanie Berbec (not the actual photo) Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not laziness, it's self care 🥰

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    The numbers show just how common singlehood has become across different parts of the world. China had approximately 200 million single adults as of 2018. Canada had around 18.27 million single people in 2022, while England and Wales recorded more than 28 million single people in 2020. In France, approximately 27.7 million people, or 41.3% of the population, were single in 2018. Of course, being single can mean different things to different people, and these figures include people of various ages and life circumstances. Still, they reflect a broader shift in the way many people think about relationships and living independently.

    #7

    A woman in an apron happily prepares food in her kitchen, embodying the joy of living alone. No one asking me what's for dinner after I just worked eight hours.

    shanrileyyy , Getty Images (not the actual photo) Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    18 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Living alone, it's *always* my turn to figure out dinner.

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    #8

    A woman placing a tomato into a shopping basket, representing independence while living alone. I don't go fifty fifty on a grocery budget with somebody who eats twice as much as me.

    shanrileyyy , Natalia Blauth (not the actual photo) Report

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    #9

    A man comforting a sad woman in bed, representing complex relationships versus being single. No more weaponized incompetence.

    shanrileyyy , Gabriel Ponton (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this would an issue if it was a healthy relationship.

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    So, what has contributed to this change? In the past, singlehood was often associated with loneliness, failure, or the idea that someone was still waiting for their life to truly begin. But over time, more people have started viewing it as a valid lifestyle and an opportunity to better understand themselves. There are now plenty of books, podcasts, and conversations exploring the idea that being single does not necessarily mean being unhappy or incomplete.

    #10

    A woman enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, embracing the tranquility of living alone and being single. I can make dinner and there are still leftovers for lunch the next day.

    carissa_jane_ , Look Studio (not the actual photo) Report

    #11

    A joyful woman with outstretched arms looks up at the sky, celebrating her freedom and happiness being single. I just passed 12yrs of living alone. Besides my dog. I do what I want, when I want. Nap, eat (food choices, restaurant, time of day, etc), what day of the week to clean, prep my meals, make appts for myself. Stay up late: either watching a movie or doing online scrabble competition. LivinLifeOutloud.

    livin50ish , A. C. (not the actual photo) Report

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    One person who has written about this shift is John Kim, a licensed therapist, speaker, and author of Single on Purpose: Redefine Everything. Find Yourself First. Drawing from his own experiences after a painful divorce, Kim reflects on how he had moved from one relationship to another throughout much of his adult life without spending enough time understanding who he was on his own. His book encourages readers to see singlehood not as a waiting room before the next relationship but as a period that can offer space for reflection, personal growth, and self-discovery.

    #13

    A focused woman works on her laptop at a desk, enjoying the peacefulness of living alone. When I come home from work, it's exactly as I left it.

    shanrileyyy , Getty Images (not the actual photo) Report

    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Precisely! Clean kitchen when I leave, clean kitchen when I come home.

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    #14

    A person holds a jar of money, representing financial independence from being single. I budget my money how I want to.

    shanrileyyy , Karolina Grabowska (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This I think is a big advantage but also, shared finances and being responsible is also great.

    #15

    I don't have in laws.

    shanrileyyy Report

    Kim challenges the belief that being single automatically means being lonely, incomplete, or somehow “behind” in life. He argues that loneliness is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes, it can be an emotional reminder to reconnect with yourself, your interests, your values, or the people who matter to you. The goal is not to avoid relationships or convince yourself that you never need anyone. Instead, it is about becoming comfortable in your own company and learning not to depend on a relationship, constant attention, or digital distractions to feel worthy or fulfilled.

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

    A person sleeping soundly in bed with a pillow over their head, illustrating the peace of living alone and being single. I can take a nap and not feel guilty.

    justbeth_ , Curated Lifestyle (not the actual photo) Report

    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And not have your sleep interrupted by continuous noise outside your bedroom.

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    #17

    Being able to get up at 2 or 3 in the morning and making a cup of tea and putting my show on till I get tired again.

    kaza.macca6 Report

    #18

    A person holding stacked meal prep containers, representing the convenience of living alone and being single. I can meal prep whatever I want and eat the same thing if I want all the time. No one making fun of the books I read or shows I watch.

    markiwolfson , Karolina Grabowska (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always end up being like..this tastes great and then eat it for a week and then switch to something else and repeat lol

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    The book also encourages people to give themselves some of the care, time, and attention they might normally reserve for a romantic partner. That could mean investing in hobbies, working toward personal or career goals, taking care of your physical and mental well-being, or simply making time for activities that bring you joy. Rather than treating single life as a pause before something better comes along, the idea is to build a meaningful life in the present; whether or not a relationship eventually becomes part of it.

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    #19

    No sinking feeling when someone arrives home bc you don’t know what mood they’ll be in.

    al_mal_19 Report

    Chaotic Good
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THIS ONE! See also: Sitting in your car for ten minutes, because they are already home, and you're just steeling yourself for whatever version of them is waiting inside.

    #20

    A multi-generational family celebrates with party hats and presents, contrasting with the theme of being single. I don't have to earn respect from grown adults in another family and buy them gifts as they actively hate me for no reason.

    shanrileyyy , Gustavo Fring (not the actual photo) Report

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    #21

    I go to bed when I want.

    shanrileyyy Report

    Interestingly, this changing attitude toward singlehood can also be seen in different cultures. In Japan, shifting demographics and changing social expectations have contributed to the growth of what is often called ohitorisama, a term that loosely translates to “party of one.” The movement celebrates the idea that people can comfortably enjoy activities alone, whether that means eating at a restaurant, going to the movies, traveling, shopping, or simply spending time by themselves. Instead of viewing solo activities as sad or unusual, many people see them as a way to enjoy independence and make choices without waiting for someone else to join them.

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    #22

    A woman hangs laundry, enjoying her privacy and living alone as a single person. I'm not drowning in resentment from chronically picking up after a grown adult.

    shanrileyyy , Karolina Grabowska (not the actual photo) Report

    driedgrapes
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do it or don't. The resentment is all yours.

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    #23

    A woman happily eating potato chips from a bowl, highlighting the simple pleasures of living alone and being single. No one eating all the groceries and snacks within 48 hours of me bringing them home so that I have to go grocery shop for my snacks all over again.

    dewytwix , Curated Lifestyle (not the actual photo) Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Living by myself I tend to eat all the goodies first

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    #24

    I can make a simple mistake or wrong decision with out someone making me feel guilty and I don't have to apologize for things out of my control.

    jesireadingcomments Report

    Of course, enjoying your own company does not mean rejecting relationships or believing that people should do everything alone. The ideas explored by Kim and the growing acceptance of ohitorisama both highlight something much simpler: a person’s happiness does not have to be placed on hold until they find a partner. Learning to enjoy your own company, pursue your interests, and build a fulfilling life can be valuable whether you remain single, enter a relationship, or move between different stages of life. Being comfortable alone can also help people better understand what they genuinely want from future relationships rather than choosing one simply to avoid loneliness.

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    #25

    I am not financially dependent on a man.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #27

    No more putting what I want to do on hold because he doesn’t want to do that.

    mandypandyau Report


    Ultimately, these posts show that being single and living alone can offer plenty of freedom, independence, and opportunities for self-discovery. At the same time, like any lifestyle, it can also come with challenges, including loneliness, financial responsibilities, and the pressure of handling everything on your own. Whether someone chooses to stay single, live independently, pursue a relationship, or build a life with a partner is deeply personal. There is no single path that guarantees happiness, and what works beautifully for one person may not feel right for someone else.

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    Well, today’s posts highlight many of the little joys that can make single life feel surprisingly fulfilling—from enjoying complete control over your space to making decisions without having to compromise. Do you agree with the benefits people mentioned, Pandas, or do you think life is better when shared with a partner? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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    #28

    A close-up of delicious chocolate chip cookies in a box, a comforting aspect of living alone and being single. I made delicious chocolate chip cookies today and I don't have to share them with anyone.

    janisdawn64 , SJ (not the actual photo) Report

    #30

    A woman wearing a party hat, looking sad next to a donut with a candle, representing feelings while living alone. I'm no longer disappointed on holidays or my birthday.

    shanrileyyy , cottonbro studio (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I usually just turn off all the lights and listen to some music in the dark.

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    #31

    A pink heart-shaped toilet cleaner in a toilet bowl, symbolizing moving on from past relationships and loving being single. The toilet seat is always dry.

    shanrileyyy , Andrej Lišakov (not the actual photo) Report

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    #32

    A woman sits on the floor with paint, symbolizing the freedom of living alone and being single. No unfinished house projects.

    shanrileyyy , Nataliya Vaitkevich (not the actual photo) Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still have tons of unfinished projects.

    #33

    I sleep diagonally and never worry about someone cheating on me.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #34

    No one cares for how long my showers are.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #35

    My stuff is never lost.

    shanrileyyy Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Except when I lose it myself. 😁

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    #36

    A woman meditating in a serene setting, showcasing the self-care and enjoyment of living alone and being single. Three words: regulated nervous system.

    zerol8tency , Andrej Lišakov (not the actual photo) Report

    #37

    No more broken promises.

    toniscorpio13 Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more than capable of breaking the promises I make to myself

    #38

    No one asking me where stuff is all of the timeeeee.

    jessholmes996 Report

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    #39

    No one farting in my bed except me.

    channya.aesthetic Report

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    #40

    I can have popcorn and a glass of wine for dinner.

    buwtifulgirl Report

    #41

    A young woman enjoying a snack and watching TV, embodying the relaxed lifestyle of living alone and being single. I get to pick the show in the big TV.

    devineycoolkid , Getty Images (not the actual photo) Report

    #42

    No one making you feel guilty for not cleaning up the mess THEY made.

    stylincuts79 Report

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    #43

    A damaged wall with peeling paint and a hole, reflecting the potential downsides or past struggles before loving being single. No one punching holes in the walls.

    julianicole35 , Lujia Zhang (not the actual photo) Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This shouldn't really be a thing, like, ever.

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    #44

    A woman with a thoughtful expression, walking outdoors, reflecting on her experiences being single. Nobody gaslighting or trying to downplay my luteal phase and period.

    shanrileyyy , Mikhail Nilov (not the actual photo) Report

    #45

    I'm no longer the butt of somebody's joke.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #47

    It smells good when I get home.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #48

    Nobody criticising my outfits or makeup.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #49

    My travel plans are what I want to do.

    shanrileyyy Report

    Sandy Jones
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can make them & I can break them

    #50

    My ph is balanced.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #51

    My bed is always made and clean with nice sheets.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #52

    There's no beard hair in my sink.

    shanrileyyy Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nor mine: I have a washbasin.

    #53

    No one yells at me ever.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #54

    No one wastes my expensive skincare.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #55

    The roll of toilet paper is never left empty.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #56

    No listening to anyone chewing or coughing.

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    #57

    I don’t have to participate in conversations when I’m not in the mood.

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    #58

    Never have to pretend to be asleep.

    my1wildandpreciouslife Report

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    #59

    The bathroom smells good.

    soydamy_suazo Report

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    2 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No skid marks and 💩 stuck to back of toilet.

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    #60

    I haven’t cried in YEARS!

    jewely312 Report

    #61

    Not getting laughed at for what music I like.

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    #62

    No being told how to drive, where to drive, and being criticised whilst driving.

    shazaroonie Report

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    #63

    No one calling me 5 times from the grocery store where they were sent with a list of 3 items.

    lyss__hark Report

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    #64

    My cortisol levels are excellent, no one is silent treating me, I want to be alive.

    quazymodo Report

    #65

    I don’t wake up to boogers in the sink and on the shower wall. Yes. That was real.

    gailowens865 Report

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    #66

    Not being criticized for sleeping with clothes on is so specific and so absolutely relatable. Shook me.

    fullmetalkatie Report

    #67

    My personal belongings rarely ever get accidentally broken anymore.

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    #68

    Nobody slamming drawers or doors when they can't find something.

    janelex85 Report

    #69

    Autonomy over my body.

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    #70

    I don't have to hide in the closet to change my clothes.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #71

    No one invading my shower and then complaining about the water temperature.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #72

    No more temper mantrums over a football game.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #73

    I can craft in peace.

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    #74

    No negativity or criticism about literally anything and everything.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #75

    The trash is never overflowing.

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    #76

    I'm never anxious that I'm pregnant.

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    #77

    My counters are clean when I wake up in the morning.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #78

    My phone has been on do not disturb for years.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #79

    Nobody mansplaining my own job to me.

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    #80

    Nobody texting me every 20 minutes asking when I'll be home.

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    #81

    No one ruins my day by 8:00am.

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    #82

    I don't step on anyone's nail clipping and get them stuck in my socks.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #83

    No one saying they work harder than me.

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    #84

    No one passive aggressively competing against me.

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    #85

    No one will make fun of my new retro-style bedding set made of unbleached cotton with imitation hand-embroidery.

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    #86

    No one screaming at a video game in the middle of the night when I’m trying to sleep.

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    #87

    I don't have to pretend to like his friends.

    shanrileyyy Report

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    #88

    Laundry takes five minutes to put away.

    shanrileyyy Report

    #89

    My TV stays on a normal volume.

    shanrileyyy Report

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