Ok so I understand I can use just one AirPod if I choose. the case is on the other side of the house and when I take either ear out the music pauses. Does the ear have to be in the case for it to direct to the ear still in use?
Or just double-tap the one in your ear to make Siri get off her lazy butt & do something ("play").
Careful though - leaving one out, without putting it back in the case boosts your chances of losing it. I've always got my case on me, as if I need to take one out, I don't like holding it, placing it on a table nor in my dust-filled pocket (risks blocking the Airpod speaker/mic vents).