Live Alone and Like It The Classic Guide for the Single Woman

by on 30. Jun, 2008 in ATG Giveaways

“But you will soon find that independence, more truthfully than virtue, is its own reward. It gives you a grand feeling. Standing on your own feet is extraordinarily exhilarating...”

Those are not the words at the end of a Sex and the City episode, but a quote from the book Live Alone and Like It by Marjorie Hillis. This lovely little pink book, sized just right for dropping into any designer clutch, gives not advice as well as case studies for all aspects of living alone. It’s smart, chic, funny and gives the kind of advice you would expect to find in a Carrie Bradshaw column. You will likely be surprised to know that the book was written in 1936 by Marjorie Hillis who was a Vogue Editor and an example of the growing number of women who lived alone by choice.

Though we often long for romance in our lives, which Hillis acknowledges in Chapters such as “When a Lady Needs a Friend”, many women are choosing to have a career and live alone by choice, not by chance.  Hillis provides practical advice on subjects such as dressing fashionably, handling your finances smartly, and simply enjoying life.   She advocates all kinds of ideals you probably thought were modern on subjects like sex, friendships, and liquor.  It’s a fabulous little read and would make a great gift for a recent college grad, recently divorced or widowed girlfriend, or any woman that wants a bit of a road map to navigating the life of a single woman out in the world.

Dying to check out all the wonderful advice?  You can win your very own copy.  How, you may ask?  Just simply comment here in the All Things Girl blog.  A drawing of all commenter will be held at the end of July.

(Comments are now closed, thanks for the fabulous response!  Winners to be announced soon!)


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114 Responses to “Live Alone and Like It The Classic Guide for the Single Woman”

  1. A.B. Monk 30. Jun, 2008 at 12:32 pm #

    This looks it would be a really great book for my recently divorced (thank the Lord!) sister-in-law!! Thanks for the recommend.

  2. Cindi 30. Jun, 2008 at 10:16 pm #

    Hello! I sometimes regret that at a younger age, I never lived on my own. I went from living at home because I attended a local university; then got married. I would love to read this book. I then would pass it along to a friend of mine. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks, Cindi

  3. dawn 01. Jul, 2008 at 11:55 am #

    I think it is hard to stay upbeat all of the time when you’re single. I hate certain “holidays”: New Years (that kiss at midnight is depressing), Valentine’s Day (why don’t people just share Valentine’s Day cards like we did when were kids…if you care, say so), even the bigger get-togethers. “Oh, you can bring a “friend.”" Hmmm….

    I’m in my 40s, single, never been married. My life couldn’t be fuller and more gratifying. But there are those moments….

  4. Sarah 01. Jul, 2008 at 12:33 pm #

    I’ve been living alone for almost 5 years now after a really long and tumultuous relationship. I love it most of the time, but there are certain times when I just wish there were someone to come home to at night. This book sounds like it may help me during the lonely moments.

  5. JennyBunny 01. Jul, 2008 at 5:10 pm #

    It’s kind of funny that I happened upon this blog since I have a dear friend who is ending a relationship, not by her choice, and moving to her own apartment.

    I know how great the independence is… I’m glad I got my year or so of it to really get the right man for me.

  6. bunnyb 03. Jul, 2008 at 8:38 am #

    I would love to win this for my best friend who’s fiercely independent. I’m sure she’ll enjoy this book as she is a huge fan of Carrie Bradshaw.

  7. JK Collins 04. Jul, 2008 at 6:45 pm #

    I’ve been living alone for nearly 10 years and loving it, it would be interesting to read this and find out if I’ve done it right!

  8. Louise Brouillette 09. Jul, 2008 at 9:20 pm #

    Something everyone should read

  9. Sunshyne Blaylock 09. Jul, 2008 at 9:36 pm #

    This sound great, I’m a readaholic.

  10. Lora 09. Jul, 2008 at 10:42 pm #

    Living alone is not as bad as one might think, but it takes skill to do it with success. I have often admired people who do it well. Not many of us would choose to live alone. But if we do find ourselves in that situation, we all want to do it well.

  11. Dianne 09. Jul, 2008 at 10:54 pm #

    This sounds like it would fit my SWDF daughter (and most of her friends) to a “T” (whatever that means).

  12. Terra Heck 10. Jul, 2008 at 1:31 am #

    Looks to be an interesting book.

  13. Anne 10. Jul, 2008 at 1:47 am #

    Wow, this is such a relevant topic for me!

    I started having kids too young and now my youngest is moving out! I am now an empty nester without much of a life for myself and my youngest is going into the same kind of situation that I did when I was young. I’m so sad. I would love for her and I to both read this book.

    My eldest actually moved to another city and went to school and became a jewellry designer…now she did it the right way!

    Great giveaway with an excellent message!

  14. valerie mabrey 10. Jul, 2008 at 12:26 pm #

    Thanks form the contest

  15. janeh 10. Jul, 2008 at 12:50 pm #

    This sounds like a must-read for me, and for some of my friends………how interesting that it was written in 1936!

  16. Kathy Scott 10. Jul, 2008 at 2:45 pm #

    I did not live on my own until I was 35. This book would be very interesting. Thanks for the chance.

  17. Kristin 10. Jul, 2008 at 3:39 pm #

    I’m just about to move out on my own so this book couldn’t have come at a better time.

  18. Gina Stratos 10. Jul, 2008 at 4:34 pm #

    ahhhhh… living alone …. how I miss it.
    gkstratos@ yahoo.com

  19. susan varney 10. Jul, 2008 at 6:36 pm #

    love to read this

  20. kristi blackstone 10. Jul, 2008 at 8:51 pm #

    Wow! I’d love love love to own this! I’m a single mom, student and full time worker…. can be depressing! haha

  21. Leslie Price 10. Jul, 2008 at 9:01 pm #

    I think I will be needing this book very soon. Thank you for the entry.

  22. djp 11. Jul, 2008 at 12:25 am #

    this is one for my neice who is going away to college

  23. Mary Marlatt 11. Jul, 2008 at 11:38 am #

    I need TWO! lol
    My two best friends are widowed and recently divorced, respectively.

  24. Catherine copeland 11. Jul, 2008 at 4:17 pm #

    I lived alone for 17 years. it was an aquired taste and hard to give up when I finally met my husband

  25. Cheryl Free 11. Jul, 2008 at 8:23 pm #

    I’d love to read this :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!

  26. Angela J 11. Jul, 2008 at 10:47 pm #

    I know a lot of people that would like to read this

  27. jordan c 12. Jul, 2008 at 4:29 pm #

    definitely like everyone seems to be saying, it looks like a good read. would love to read it. if i don’t win the contest, probably borrow it for a read. thank you.

  28. Linda 12. Jul, 2008 at 7:56 pm #

    My sister could really use this book!

  29. Donna 12. Jul, 2008 at 9:57 pm #

    I live alone and I get by! *S* Thanks!

  30. Shaun Wallner 13. Jul, 2008 at 9:59 am #

    I would love to read this!

  31. Linda Pinto 13. Jul, 2008 at 1:02 pm #

    Useful advice. Please enter me in the contest.

  32. Carol Drury 13. Jul, 2008 at 3:20 pm #

    would love to win this!!!!

  33. brandy j 13. Jul, 2008 at 3:44 pm #

    This would be fab. win!! cant wait to read it.

  34. linda n. 13. Jul, 2008 at 8:58 pm #

    This would be perfect for a friend who has lived alone for 10 years and had never adjusted

  35. Kathy Conley 13. Jul, 2008 at 9:02 pm #

    I would really like to read this to share with high school girls in Psychology class – many of them need some useful information on how to be independent!

  36. Janice Wright 13. Jul, 2008 at 9:47 pm #

    I’ve been divorced for about three years. I would like to win this book!

  37. Noelia Gutierrez 13. Jul, 2008 at 10:55 pm #

    would love to in this

  38. Carolyn D. 14. Jul, 2008 at 9:20 am #

    This is perfect for my single friend. She sometimes hooks up with the wrong men, just not to be alone.

  39. Amber 14. Jul, 2008 at 8:32 pm #

    I have never been married and don’t plan on it for a while. It can be difficult but also has its rewards. I really want this book.

  40. Tiffany G 15. Jul, 2008 at 4:23 am #

    Looks like an awesome book!

  41. sarah 15. Jul, 2008 at 12:05 pm #

    enter me!

  42. Kayce C 15. Jul, 2008 at 8:39 pm #

    Include me, please

  43. John MacDonald 17. Jul, 2008 at 2:53 pm #

    I could really use this book at this moment of my life.

  44. Cindy Flores 17. Jul, 2008 at 5:58 pm #

    This book is a great idea!!

  45. Danielle De vizia 17. Jul, 2008 at 10:46 pm #

    This looks like a great book that I would love to read!
    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
    Danielle

  46. marybeth i. 18. Jul, 2008 at 8:03 am #

    for my single friend mom!

  47. Karen P 19. Jul, 2008 at 9:59 am #

    Thanks for the chance at winning, looks like a great book.

  48. Steve Scott 21. Jul, 2008 at 9:05 pm #

    I have never lived alone and I am hoping that I never have to.

  49. sandy 22. Jul, 2008 at 8:15 am #

    know a few who could use this

  50. Roger Deming 22. Jul, 2008 at 11:25 am #

    LIving alone has its upsides as well as its downsides. give it a try.

  51. Jaime C. 23. Jul, 2008 at 4:31 am #

    Looks like an excellent read! Please accept my entry! Thank you :)

  52. Anita Yancey 23. Jul, 2008 at 11:06 am #

    Sounds like a great book. Please enter me, and thanks!

  53. chris h 24. Jul, 2008 at 1:47 am #

    looks like a great read

  54. Rachael 24. Jul, 2008 at 4:45 am #

    Sounds interesting…I want to win!

  55. lynn 24. Jul, 2008 at 2:19 pm #

    interesting book

  56. James Jenkins 24. Jul, 2008 at 6:39 pm #

    wow

  57. Delores 24. Jul, 2008 at 8:09 pm #

    please enter me!

  58. romero 24. Jul, 2008 at 8:10 pm #

    would love to be entered.

  59. Anthony Hedden 25. Jul, 2008 at 12:45 pm #

    enter me

  60. kathy pease 25. Jul, 2008 at 6:25 pm #

    PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY :)

  61. Cassandra 25. Jul, 2008 at 7:05 pm #

    This book sounds great–perfect for my friends and me.

  62. Jon Lefkove 25. Jul, 2008 at 10:05 pm #

    This book sounds awesome!

  63. Mary Lynn Hayes 25. Jul, 2008 at 11:57 pm #

    I wish this book came out about 5 years ago!

  64. Joan Koczon 26. Jul, 2008 at 11:27 am #

    I would love to read this book.
    There should have been something
    like this around years ago.

  65. Heather B 26. Jul, 2008 at 9:06 pm #

    count me in I just got a divorce and moved out with my 2 kids we could sue a little help!

  66. Tiffanie W. 26. Jul, 2008 at 9:59 pm #

    Ha, this would be perfect for my sister. It’s even her favorite color! Lol.

  67. Chris F 27. Jul, 2008 at 9:23 am #

    You bet I wanna win thanks.

  68. Carolyn Ireland 27. Jul, 2008 at 1:04 pm #

    I would love to win!
    BzzAgent tip: Check out how to promote yourself and your business with word of mouth in the WOM Manual II – available for free on the internet!!

  69. Daniel M 27. Jul, 2008 at 9:00 pm #

    lookin good add me please

  70. Jennifer Jozwiak 28. Jul, 2008 at 11:24 am #

    sounds like a great book

  71. Elizabeth M. 28. Jul, 2008 at 4:54 pm #

    I’d love to give this to my daughter who is getting ready to graduate college. She would eat it up!

  72. CHERYL A FRANCISCO 28. Jul, 2008 at 5:52 pm #

    Would love to be reminded why with this book.

  73. sheryl dykes 28. Jul, 2008 at 8:32 pm #

    Thank you!

  74. Chrysa 28. Jul, 2008 at 8:55 pm #

    The book looks great!

  75. Laurie 28. Jul, 2008 at 9:19 pm #

    I can really use this! Sounds like a good book to have!

  76. Judy A 28. Jul, 2008 at 10:06 pm #

    Looks like a good book for all women to read!

  77. Judy A 28. Jul, 2008 at 10:06 pm #

    Looks like a good book for all women to read!

  78. Judy A 28. Jul, 2008 at 10:06 pm #

    Looks like a good book for all women to read!

  79. Michelle 29. Jul, 2008 at 3:50 am #

    Would love to have a read.

  80. Bambi Flowers 29. Jul, 2008 at 8:10 am #

    I saw an article in my newspaper and it sounded wonderful! People have got to stop thinking they can’t live a full life without a partner or spouse. To me that is a new type of mental illness brought on by our society. You don’t stop living just because your single!!!! Great book ideal.

  81. Carissa D. 29. Jul, 2008 at 11:51 am #

    This sounds like a great read. Thanks!

  82. Marion Burgess 29. Jul, 2008 at 1:39 pm #

    Looks like good book to read!!

  83. charline s 29. Jul, 2008 at 2:16 pm #

    great giveaway

  84. Christine 29. Jul, 2008 at 2:33 pm #

    My sister & I really need this book…oh the humanity!

  85. Janet 29. Jul, 2008 at 4:50 pm #

    Looks like an interesting book.ty 4 the contest!

  86. Audrey L 29. Jul, 2008 at 5:41 pm #

    This sounds like great reading! Hope to win the book!

  87. gina snow 29. Jul, 2008 at 11:01 pm #

    i want to win

  88. Suzanne Lewis 29. Jul, 2008 at 11:01 pm #

    I’ve never lived alone before. This might be a great read for me.

  89. veronica sandberg 29. Jul, 2008 at 11:26 pm #

    want to win this

  90. Kathy S 30. Jul, 2008 at 12:13 am #

    I’d really love to read this book. I’ve never lived alone. I lived at home while attending a local college, where I met my husband to be, then I married at the foolish age of 20. Three years later I had my first child, and had my second at 28. I missed so much. Only had 2 dates before dating my husband for an embarrassingly short time before marrying and regret that I didn’t live a life of my own.
    If only I could do it all again, I don’t think that I would get married or have children.
    Listen ladies…it’s not all it’s cracked up to be….all you do with your life is sacrifice for other people, and give pieces of yourself away and get nothing in return.

  91. Tamara Burks 30. Jul, 2008 at 12:15 am #

    Looks interesting to me.

  92. Rebecca S. 30. Jul, 2008 at 12:17 am #

    Married young after living with parents…I have always wondered what it would have been like and also to prepare if ever the need to arises.

  93. Helen 30. Jul, 2008 at 12:53 am #

    Sounds like a great book!

  94. Marie N 30. Jul, 2008 at 1:09 am #

    Divorced after 23 years of marriage when my significant other decided the grass was much greener and definitely younger on the other side of the fence. Needless to say I have no desire to marry again and still find myself trying to adjust to living the single life. And what exactly does a woman do when the the kids are all grown up and have lives of their own and there is no man in her life? These are the questions among others I find myself asking. Does this book have the answers…don’t know but I would like to find out.

  95. Erma Hurtt 30. Jul, 2008 at 7:37 am #

    love to read this

  96. Samantha Pruitt 30. Jul, 2008 at 7:49 am #

    this sounds so great!

  97. Kelly 30. Jul, 2008 at 7:50 am #

    I know several women who need this. They stay in bad relationships because they don’t know how to live alone.

  98. Melissa Resnick 30. Jul, 2008 at 7:52 am #

    i heard its a great book

  99. Izzie 30. Jul, 2008 at 8:05 am #

    The joy of living alone is that I don’t have to take care of anyone but me!

  100. jillian jordan 30. Jul, 2008 at 8:31 am #

    I’d like to win this, thanks!

  101. Miranda Chrastil 30. Jul, 2008 at 11:49 am #

    Looks like a very good book! I would love to win it!!

  102. Suanne Giddings 30. Jul, 2008 at 1:21 pm #

    One thing I have learned is that you don’t need a man around the house 24/7. My yard man does “honey do” things like moving heavy things, repairing a fence, repairing/replacing things, putting up Christmas lights, etc. He is much cheaper and less stress than a husband, I don’t have to feed him or do his laundry, and he doesn’t give me “attitude” when there is work to be done.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  103. Michelle 30. Jul, 2008 at 1:34 pm #

    Sounds like a great book. Living alone is so fun and rewarding. Everyone should try it once.

  104. Susanne Troop 30. Jul, 2008 at 1:45 pm #

    This would be a great book to give to one of my divorced friends who is having a hard time about living alone!

  105. Beverly Metcalf 30. Jul, 2008 at 2:22 pm #

    I know someone, recently widowed and living alone that could use this book. Thanks for having the contest!

  106. john pratt 30. Jul, 2008 at 6:13 pm #

    please enter me. thanks in advance if i win and i hope all of your days are blessed.

  107. Alecia Gibson 30. Jul, 2008 at 6:30 pm #

    Looks like a great book! I love your site!!

  108. Sylvia Porter 30. Jul, 2008 at 8:14 pm #

    this sounds really interesting

  109. Grace 30. Jul, 2008 at 8:44 pm #

    Good luck!

  110. sarah woods 30. Jul, 2008 at 9:34 pm #

    how about positive support afte the divorce; restructuring so difficult. Many Thanks SW

  111. Veronica Garrett 30. Jul, 2008 at 10:06 pm #

    I would love to win this book for my daughter.

  112. Donna Kozar 31. Jul, 2008 at 12:01 am #

    As a single woman, I need this book.

  113. Peggy Gorman 31. Jul, 2008 at 6:47 am #

    I have been divorced for 18 years , I can always find something to do

  114. Valerie Furr 31. Jul, 2008 at 6:50 am #

    I would love to give this to my best friend. She ended a 39 year
    marriage of being controlled and treated like a prisoner. Then she
    did a really stupid thing a year latter married another control
    freak and has left him but not till he got her to marry him.
    So I think she would enjoy this book as she is now living in
    a townhouse and enjoying her freedom and hopefully has learned
    her lesson.