Living with someone isn’t always easy, and that’s putting it lightly.
The small habits, the weird routines, the things they always forgot to do—it can be a lot. However, once you’re living apart, something strange happens. You start to miss those little things, even the ones that used to drive you absolutely mad. It’s not always the big romantic gestures that stick, either. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, ridiculous, or chaotic moments that linger in your memory. Here are some of the things people often miss about living with someone, even if the experience wasn’t perfect at the time.
1. The sound of them moving around in another room
At the time, it might have been mildly annoying—the footsteps, the cupboard doors, the late-night rustling. However, when it’s gone, the silence can feel way too loud. That background noise of another person just existing can feel strangely comforting. Even if you weren’t speaking, it was still company. It’s the subtle reassurance of knowing someone else was nearby, sharing the same space, even if they were just pottering about in their own little world.
2. Their random commentary on absolutely everything
They always had something to say about the news, the neighbours, a squirrel on the windowsill. It could’ve been too much at times, but now, your evenings feel oddly quiet without that constant stream of unsolicited thoughts. What once felt like noise now feels like personality. You realise how much those little remarks helped fill the gaps in the day, not in a loud way, but in a way that made things feel alive.
3. The shared jokes no one else really understood
You’d be out somewhere and just exchange a look that said everything. Or, they’d say one word and you’d both laugh because of some weird moment that only made sense to the two of you. You don’t just miss the jokes—you miss having someone who remembers the punchline without needing context. Inside jokes don’t just disappear, but they definitely lose their shine without the other half of the duo.
4. Their oddly specific morning routine
Maybe they always sang while making coffee. Maybe they watched the same 15-minute news segment before brushing their teeth. At the time, it felt repetitive. Now, it feels like a little anchor you didn’t know you appreciated. Even the slightly annoying parts start to feel nostalgic. There was a rhythm to the day, and it started with them moving through the world in their own odd way. These days, mornings feel a bit quieter, and a bit flatter.
5. The way they’d fill up the fridge with their random food choices
From their favourite snacks to that odd brand of milk you never touched, there was always something in there that clearly belonged to them. You might have grumbled about space or clutter, but now, the fridge looks a little too neat. It’s funny how even small things like food can carry presence. Their half of the fridge was part of the shared life, and when it’s gone, it’s not just tidier, it’s a little bit lonelier.
6. Their music playing from the shower
Maybe it was the same playlist every morning. Maybe it was off-key singing echoing through the bathroom door. Either way, it marked the start of the day, even if it wasn’t exactly peaceful. Now, without that background soundtrack, your mornings feel different. You realise that even noise can carry warmth when it’s tied to a routine you shared for so long.
7. The mess they always left in the same place
Their coat on the back of the chair, the coffee mug left beside the sofa, the laundry that never quite made it to the basket, all of it used to make you sigh. Now, you catch yourself missing the mess. It wasn’t just clutter. It was a sign that someone else was living life alongside you. The empty, tidy space might be easier to manage, but it doesn’t feel quite as lived-in anymore.
8. The way they’d talk over your shows or ask questions during films
It drove you up the wall at the time. You were constantly pausing the screen to answer a question or ask them to please just watch. Now, the quiet feels a bit too uninterrupted. As annoying as it was, it was also interaction. It was shared time, even if it came with a running commentary. Watching alone just isn’t quite the same without that back-and-forth.
9. The casual touch as they walked past
A hand on your shoulder, a quick hug from behind, a foot brushing against yours on the sofa—nothing major, just everyday contact. It might not have seemed like much at the time. However, when it’s gone, you feel the absence in small, sharp ways. Those gestures were tiny reminders of connection, and once they stop, it’s surprising how much you notice the quiet space they leave behind.
10. The way they’d fall asleep during your favourite shows
They swore they’d stay awake. You’d both agree to watch the next episode, and 10 minutes in, they were already asleep. It used to be frustrating, especially when you wanted to talk about the ending. Now, watching something without them doesn’t feel the same. You’d give anything to glance over and see them snoring next to you, blanket pulled up to their chin, mid-episode as always.
11. Their terrible taste in decor that somehow grew on you
At first, it clashed with everything. The strange artwork, the gaudy cushion, the one plant they insisted on keeping alive. You rolled your eyes every time they defended it. These days, that stuff carries memory. You start to realise those odd choices made the place feel full. Your space might look neater now, but it doesn’t quite have the same weird charm.
12. The way they made the bed—or didn’t
Maybe they always left the duvet wonky, or insisted on hospital corners. Either way, it wasn’t how you’d do it. And yet now, your bed looks almost too perfect without their half in it. There’s something intimate about shared routines, even the clashing ones. The way they made the bed became part of the rhythm of your mornings. Without it, it all feels a little too quiet.
13. Their bad habits you knew by heart
The loud chewing, the way they talked with their mouth full, the constant tapping or singing under their breath—you could list their habits with your eyes closed. You probably did, often. Of course, knowing someone that well, flaws and all, is a kind of closeness you don’t get every day. When they’re not around, even those things feel like something you’d welcome back in a heartbeat.
14. The things you used to argue about on repeat
The thermostat. The bins. The dishes left to “soak.” It was like clockwork—the same minor battles that never really got resolved. At the time, it was exhausting. Now, you sometimes catch yourself smiling at the memory. Not because you miss the arguments, but because even conflict means connection. Silence can feel heavier than any eye-roll ever did.
15. Their presence when you didn’t have to say a word
You’d both be doing your own thing—one reading, one scrolling, maybe barely talking, but it still felt connected. Just being in the same room was enough. Now, those quiet moments feel lonelier. You realise how much comfort there is in simply coexisting with someone. It’s not about conversation; it’s about presence.
16. The feeling of shared routine, even when imperfect
Everyday life together wasn’t always smooth. There were annoyances, habits, and small compromises. However, there was also rhythm—a shared life ticking along in its own way. When it’s gone, the absence isn’t just about the person. It’s about the routines, the chaos, the comfort of living alongside someone who knew your world. You might not want it back exactly how it was, but part of you quietly misses what it meant.
