The difference between a House and a Home

My Apartment is in a former Cotton Mill. Image Illustrated by Sye Watts.

A house is a building usually with four walls, a roof, windows and doors that people live in. Whereas a home can be any sort of dwelling and is infinitely more. A home is:

• A destination that you always look forward to arriving at.
• A sense of belonging.
• A place where kin come together to socialise, share meals, drink and be merry.
• A place filled with laughter.
• A place where birthdays, Christmas and other events are celebrated.
• A place of mental and emotional comfort.
• A place of physical comfort.
• A place of good memories.
• A place of love, affection and sex.
• A place that can be quiet or noisy.
• A place that may have children, pets and plants that need caring for.
• A place of growth.
• A place of life and death.
• A place filled with sentimental items: photos, ornaments and artwork.
• A place of safety.
• A place where you can be yourself without fear of judgement.
• A place where you can feel exactly as you do without having to explain.
• A place you feel yourself immediately relax on entering.
• A place of mediation and reflection.
• A place where you can dance unobserved.
• Somewhere that there’s always a cup of tea on offer.
• A place where good meals are made and devoured.
• A place filled with sentimental items: photos, ornaments and artwork.
• A place where personal hygiene takes place.
• A place where pyjamas are worn.
• A place where books are read and your imagination is ignited & stimulated.
• A place where TV and films are watched.
• A place where music is listened to and enjoyed.
• A place of privacy.
• A place where some practice their faith, religion or magic.
• A place where more than one language may be spoken, sometimes in the same conversation.
• A place that is part of a vibrant and diverse community.

I am so fortunate. Seven years ago I bought my own apartment (see The Move) and it quickly became my own home. But what makes me feel really fortunate, is that I have several other places that feel like home. Places where friends and self-proclaimed-adoptive-families live.

Take care,

Antony

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