The idea of women living together, free from romantic entanglements, is a recurring fantasy for many. For Claira Hermet, 42, and Mindy Kaur, 32, this fantasy has become a reality.
Two years ago, the London-based best friends moved in together, a decision that has proven so successful they are now exploring the possibility of buying a property jointly. Both women are single and have found that prioritizing their friendship offers a fulfilling alternative to the traditional path of relationships and family.
"I don’t date," Kaur stated, expressing a lack of energy for the dating scene. "I can’t be bothered – I just haven’t got the energy for dating apps. I don’t need it right now, I’m very happy in my life." Hermet echoed this sentiment, explaining that dating is "just not a priority" and she is unwilling to invest time in online interactions, finding companionship with Kaur instead.
Their close bond, which includes cooking, shopping, and holidaying together, has led to people mistaking them for a couple. Hermet and Kaur met in 2022 through a professional connection, but a shared holiday to Los Angeles solidified their friendship.
Prior to moving in together, Hermet had been living alone after her tenancy ended, while Kaur was dissatisfied with her London flatshare. "I’d been there for seven years," Kaur recalled. "I needed a change, something more grown-up than a rotating bunch of flatmates and rows over loo roll."
"We were both single and neither of us was waiting around for the perfect man – if he shows up one day then great, but for the foreseeable future, it made total sense to choose each other instead," Kaur added. Hermet observed that women are often taught to follow a specific life path involving marriage and children, but she has found happiness and self-worth through her own choices.
Kaur noted the financial benefits of their arrangement, but emphasized the emotional advantages as well. "My family often say: ‘Don’t you want to share life with someone?’ But I have that with Claira. I get to do my food shop with someone, we go away for weekends, and I’ve got someone to share the load with. Someone to make me a cup of tea when I get in from work."
Their shared life extends to domestic harmony. Both prefer a tidy home, conducting a weekly deep clean together and maintaining responsibility for their own rooms. They also share the tasks of shopping and cooking, with one often cooking for the other depending on their work-from-home schedules.
While their friendship is strong, they maintain independent social lives. "Claira has her friendship group and I have mine," Kaur said. "They’ve all met and everyone gets along, but often we’ll do things separately."
Hermet, whose immediate family is small due to the early deaths of her mother and sister, has found a maternal figure in Kaur's mother, who extends warmth and inclusion to her. Kaur's family has expressed some initial confusion about their living situation but ultimately accepted it.
The couple plans to purchase property together, with discussions covering financial arrangements. They intend to secure a joint mortgage, protect their individual deposits, and establish terms for shared ownership and potential rental of rooms should one decide to move out.
"Humans are communal beings," Hermet concluded. "We need companionship – but we’ve discovered that it doesn’t have to be romantic for it to be fulfilling and fun."