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Being single and living alone can be pretty awesome, and these illustrations show why.

Created by LA-based painter, illustrator and occasional animator, Yaoyao Ma Van As, this series of illustrations pretty much sums up the magic of living alone. From leaving your marks everywhere to cleaning up whenever you want - living alone really has its perks. Keep on scrolling to check them out and don't forget to vote for your favorites!

More info: yaoyaomavanas.com

#1

Enjoying Some Peace And Quiet

Enjoying Some Peace And Quiet

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Daria B
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmmmh..... Not to underestimate the situation and the illustration (very beautiful picture, seriously), but can you really afford a house like that when you live alone?

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Amy Love
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I owned a gorgeous historic home with a big yard in Phoenix and a condo downtown for a long time. Now I just have the condo so I can take off whenever I want for vacation!

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Luisa Noor Sedai
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks nice. Though when living alone I certainly can't afford such a huge apartment, or the dog, and no forest nearby to have a walk in. Same for all my living-alone friends. Who does these pictures refer to ?

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Angie Hamilton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I think the precondition is have to be able to afford this..

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Debra Starr Moon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where my daughter lives (Omaha) she and her fiancé, who have average jobs/salaries can afford a beautiful home with a $750 mortgage that would go for three or four times that in so cal where I live. Granted our salaries for those same jobs are higher out here, but not high enough to offset the cost of living difference. She could buy a home on her own there, but most married couples can't do it here. It depends on the market you're in.

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Yael Webb Parnes
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an illustration. She could be living in a fairytale castle and ride a unicorn to the supermarket if the artist wanted it so.

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Petra Takacs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so in love with her art style and the atmosphere she creates!

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Patty Woolever
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a cat, and a porch, and we sit outside together while I watch her. She's so happy exploring with her harness and leash on.

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Katie Fallon
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Enjoying the peace and quiet and then becoming paranoid that every random little sound is someone or something coming to kill you.

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As If
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, sorry folks. The Panda, in its infinite wisdom, decided to take my reply to Daria B's post and apply it as a reply to every...single...comment on this picture. Worst part? It's not showing up in my post list to remove it, so...no, I'm not crazy OR an overzealous Bored Panda troll. This is ridiculous. I apologise, lol.

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Birma Gustafsson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is a strong, educated woman in her own right - of course she can afford it!

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Alana Dill
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived alone for a year and learned so much about myself. Solitude is really good for me - and I also got to face a few fears and learn exactly how much of a slob I can be :-D

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Kathleen Lovell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to think this house, on 60 acres, was inherited along with being paid in full, with an annuity that pays the taxes every year in perpetuity.

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endelbendel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is how you manage your awareness when by yourself. The externals ( porch swing) are not essential only illustrative of the mindful peaceful self-compassionate feeling.

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Daria! Rent! It's not bad if you get the right person to rent to you! Like an older couple!

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I especially loved this time! I loved on the 3rd floor, no elevator. I had a nice cozy balcony porch I set up with plants, and I'd come home, and get in the Jammie's and a nice glass of white wine, and just sit in my comfy chair! No one could see me and I couldn't see them! Ahhhhhhh!

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Linda Brown
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes that is nice and then there's the view, God's wonderful creation all the twinkling light of the stars is an awesome inspiring experience

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Miguel Angel Irisson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She most be a very famous graphic designer, honestly don't know how she can afford that house

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Silvia
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't want to burst anybody's bubble, but you can do this exact same thing when you are in a relationship and even if you have small kids. There are certainly many perks in being single, but 'peace and quiet' you can have either way.

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#2

Playing With Your Pup

Playing With Your Pup

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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John L
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hiding from Charlie is impossible. When I'm home, he knows where I am every minute, and he's usually close by. Its why he's my best friend. :D

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#3

Escaping Reality

Escaping Reality

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John L
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading is one of my greatest pleasures, but I've switched to my Nook eReader. That way I can carry it anywhere I choose to go, and it holds a charge for a long time. My favorite spots are the couch, or my queen bed, where Charlie can be next to me, and I can pet him while I read. When I was young, I would never have dreamed of such a thing. :O

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#4

Working Whenever You Feel Like It

Working Whenever You Feel Like It

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've lost count of the times I work best at night, in my basement shop, making beautiful things for my clients. Owls always do best in the evenings, and for me, this is no exception. :D

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#5

Enjoying A Cup Of Tea While Watching The Rain

Enjoying A Cup Of Tea While Watching The Rain

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#7

Dancing Like No One Is Watching (Cause No One Is)

Dancing Like No One Is Watching (Cause No One Is)

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#8

Cuddling With Your Best Friend

Cuddling With Your Best Friend

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Charlie, my shih-tzu, loves to cuddle up close at night. When he gets too warm, he will move away . But once he cools off, he burrows into me once more. Its his way of saying "I love you Daddy."

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#9

Binge Eating All You Want

Binge Eating All You Want

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Ana-Maria Dan
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes! This is how I imagined my death scene would look like. Me lounging on the couch surrounded by boxes of takeaway with Netflix playing in the background...What a way to go

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#11

Bathing As Long As You Want

Bathing As Long As You Want

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Master Markus
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one that doesn't find baths in this kind of tub that relaxing? I'm not able to stretch out in them. I much prefer a hot tub or hot spring.

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#12

Enjoying The Little Things

Enjoying The Little Things

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Nancy E
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am blessed to be able to enjoy little things.... a hummingbird outside the front window; watching a turtle bury its eggs in the yard; electric colored, shy , bluebirds with a new family; wild ducks munching on sunflower seeds , a stray fox or wild turkey .... the beautiful sunrises & sunsets that are free to all . Life is good !

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#13

Having A Carefree Sort Of Walk

Having A Carefree Sort Of Walk

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#15

Snacking Whenever You Feel Like It Without Anyone Judging You

Snacking Whenever You Feel Like It Without Anyone Judging You

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Lou Wow
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or eating your favourite food every day with no one knowing the depth of your obsession.

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#18

Working The Way You Like

Working The Way You Like

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now you're talking! Cuddling the little baby can be so satisfying, while you think of all the possibilities. ;D

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#19

Treating Yourself To A Whole Batch Of Cookies

Treating Yourself To A Whole Batch Of Cookies

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Ok Ha-Neul
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i don't think i've ever made cookies without eating half of the cookie dough T.T

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#22

Creating Your Own "Fine Dining" Rules

Creating Your Own "Fine Dining" Rules

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#25

Stretching In The Morning With The Room To Yourself

Stretching In The Morning With The Room To Yourself

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#26

Having Your Puppy Around All The Time

Having Your Puppy Around All The Time

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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Xian Tian
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THere isnt a day where I can take my showers in peace with my 3 chow chows

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#28

Taking It All In On Your Morning Walk

Taking It All In On Your Morning Walk

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#29

Melting Away Your Troubles

Melting Away Your Troubles

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't one's imagination just wonderful?! Its so easy to graduate from a regular bathtub to a super-duper tiled tub, all with the stroke of a pen/pencil.

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#30

Marking Your Territory

Marking Your Territory

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#31

Doing Laundry Wherever You Want

Doing Laundry Wherever You Want

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John L
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My unfolded laundry is Charlie's favorite place to sleep when we aren't in bed. ;D

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#34

Being By Your Pups Side

Being By Your Pups Side

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report

#37

Leaving Your Hair Everywhere Because You Can

Leaving Your Hair Everywhere Because You Can

Yaoyao Ma Van As Report