What is home for this day and age? Sounds basic or even silly to ask to people around you. But think about the progression of home since the time of our cavemen ancestors to today, and I am not just talking about the physical structure which referred to as house. I’m talking about HOME as in the emotional and psychological influence it has to the dweller. 

Home vs House

To be on the same page, let’s define the difference first. There’s a good reason why you feel “home sick” whenever you’re away from your home for a long-time despite of staying in secured, comfortable, and convenient place. Being at home, in your own bedroom, within the confines of the 4 walls of your house, mansion, or even just a hut, outshines any other luxurious hotels, grandma’s house or your best friend’s apartment. The obvious reason for this is your psyche towards what you can do at your own place, you can live a carefree life and be noisy or act clumsy without any hesitation. You feel safe and secured at your own home. A house is just a physical structure with 4 walls and a roof over your head. I know this firsthand since I had 2 weeks tour in middle east and 10-day tour in Europe. No doubt the hotels we checked-in was impeccable, the bed was downright comfortable, and the services was terrific. However, just after 7th day, home-sick kicks in. The rest of the travel was dragging to say the least. I just wanted to be back on my own bedroom. There’s really no place like home. 

Homes Now and Then

You probably reading this on your phone or laptop lounging on your sofa at home with fast internet, cool aircon, and warm coffee. If not, then you’re most likely not home. That’s the point right there. I just planted an imaginary scenario to you what home is like nowadays. While sofa, aircon, coffee, and (quite recently) internet are common nowadays, it was not back in the old days. I am not going to anchor this topic with the mentioned stuff, rather let me make a case that as we, collective species, keeps innovating to improve how we live and communicate, so does our homes. It progresses with it. Just a couple of generations ago, my great grandparents did not have television at home, and only rich family can afford aircon for personal use. Today those are ubiquitous, just as internet now becomes a necessity equal to water and electricity. To call something a “home” nowadays must meet certain standards to live comfortably. The argument that wealthy and middle-class people can afford water, electricity, and internet is no longer valid as of this writing. Simply because even illegal settlers have access with those. Heck they can even afford split type aircon! Not that I am belittling their ability to afford that, my point being is that this is now the new standard of living. If you plan to operate an Airbnb business like I do, note that if you miss just one of those I mention, you can guarantee yourself a low star rating from guests.