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I was always a self-conscious person.

For a while, I didn't want to leave the house. Eventually, I just got sick of being indoors. Now I take steps not to be noticed when I don't want to be. For instance, I live near Westfield shopping centre, so I won't go there at the weekend.

I am very self-conscious a lot of the time.

I don't like being in houses alone.

Eating by myself in my own apartment, single and alone again for the first time in many years, I should have felt, but did not feel, sad. Because I had taken the trouble to make myself a real dinner, I felt nurtured and cared for, if only by myself. Eating alone was freeing, too; I didn't have to make conversation.

I live by myself. I come in the door, I can throw my stuff on the floor. I can leave the dishes.

You don't feel as self-conscious if your clothes fit.

I had a lot of alone time with no brothers or sisters running around, or anything. I would just sit and imagine things, all the time.

You know, one of my fears about living alone so long is that you get used to doing everything your own way.

I was never less alone than when by myself.