His Father’s Son
On the one hand, the Australian government is trying for Julian Assange to be released by convincing the US government to drop the case against him – and it is not working. On the other, it can stop David McBride [March 2] from going to jail with a stroke of a pen, but for whatever reason, thus far hasn’t. If anything, McBride’s information assisted in exposing the SAS’s unlawful conduct. The government will look foolish if McBride is sent to prison.
Mukul Desai
Hunters Hill, NSW
Home alone
I’m not convinced that the growing trend across the Western world for people living alone is a great thing [March 2]. Despite all the positive spin that’s put on it (independence, freedom from the ties that bind and so on), it can be a recipe for loneliness, particularly as you get older and your friendship circles shrink. Studies both here and overseas have repeatedly shown that living alone, particularly as we get older, is associated with poorer health. Men seem to do even worse than women in this regard. We’ve all read those stories of elderly people in Japan dying in their tiny one-bedroom apartments in high-rises, their bodies not found until weeks after their deaths. Some people enjoy their own company and are better placed than others to live alone, but the majority of human beings are social creatures, who need the company of others, even if it’s at a reasonable distance. The model of independent living in apartment blocks with shared facilities and communal lounge and entertaining spaces, as shown in Fenella Souter’s article, may be the way to go.
Chris Brown
Erskineville, NSW
Yep, I went from the “classic share house experience” (parents, siblings and dog) to happy solo living, now 45 years.
Heather D’Cruz
Geelong, Vic
I lived by myself for the first time 10 years ago, and I could never go back to living with someone. It’s so nice after a busy day at work to be all alone, relaxed and peaceful without having to worry about getting in someone’s way or having them get in my way. Doofus
As a single, full-time, male carer of three adult children, I am NOT looking forward to them leaving. I have found the single “scene” at 60 quite depressing. It would appear that (for me) the longer someone has lived by themselves the less room for anyone else; people get set in their ways. Sad, life is best shared. Me (colour-blind), my house (white inside and out) and garden (plain, no flowers) are a blank canvas for someone to come in. Mr C Well
I lived alone for 12 years and I’m now married. I can say, without any shadow of a doubt, that I am lonelier and poorer being married than I ever was living alone. The reason for that is my (admittedly poor) choice of husband. When this marriage completely runs its course, it is back to the solo living and never giving that up ... Except for my dog, of course. You Know Who
So many interesting comments on this article. A shame the government’s focus on housing seems to be mostly for family houses, which are totally unsuitable for solo people. It’s almost impossible to find good small one- or two-bedroom houses, suitable for living in long-term. Audrey
The Full Bottle
Driving around the country, you see neglected vineyards all over the place. So what about buying a rundown vineyard and rehabilitating it?
John Exner
Wentworth Falls, NSW
Dicey Topics
Yumi Stynes is a great writer and very entertaining [March 2]. The moral panic about her book [Welcome to Sex] was an embarrassment to this country. Tim the Enchanter
It is frustrating how often the old “all white” Australia is still portrayed, whether through our parliament, commercial TV or many sports teams. To the outside world it could look like nothing has changed in 50 years, when so much has ... Yumi is such a great character and, I strongly suspect, an amazing mum! Marco
Getting threatened and attacked seems to be the price some people are forced to pay for not going along with right-wing populism. And it is getting worse as the division and conflict in our political system deepens. RobOz
Yumi Stynes describes the terrible experiences of our times but does it in a way that makes us all feel understood and that there is some kind of hope for a good life with good friends. I, too, have experienced the hatred (even from my own family), especially when pointing out the failures of public figures and appreciate deeply her words. Thank you, Yumi. Richard Parker
Two of Us
What a great story about filmmaker Matty Hannon and permaculture farmer Heather Hillier [March 2]. I am so pleased that it is going smoothly for you both. Bellingen is a good place to live. Henri
Great story, living life, travelling – the memories will last forever. YoungOZ
A glorious indulgence! BarryB
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