From Slate Magazine · Jenée Desmond-Harris · · 1m
My Apartment Building Is Becoming a Tighter-Knit “Community.” This Is My Worst Nightmare
A neighbor's relentless friendliness threatens to turn an apartment building into a tighter-knit community.
In brief
A neighbor's relentless friendliness threatens to turn an apartment building into a tighter-knit community. A person fears their apartment building's neighbor, Pepper, is becoming too friendly and wants to avoid interaction without confrontation. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Pepper's arrival
Pepper arrived and began greeting neighbors with loud enthusiasm.
“Hi! I’m Pepper!”
Pepper's behavior
Pepper knocks on doors, hosts events, and invites neighbors to gatherings.
“I’m going to have to pass on this and honestly all future events too.”
The writer's reaction
The writer tried ignoring Pepper but she continued to contact them.
“I don’t like confrontation, and I fear it may have a broader impact than intended.”
The writer's dilemma
The writer fears moving but worries about more neighbors like Pepper.
“I have no idea how to do that, and I so resent the need to engage with her.”
Prudie's advice
Prudie suggests a light touch to explain the writer's preference for solitude.
“I’m going to have to pass on this and honestly all future events too.”
The writer's personal life
The writer's relationship with their spouse is strained and their career has declined.
“We haven’t had sex in years, and I sleep in the guest room.”
The writer's next steps
The writer plans to communicate their need for solitude without confrontation.
“It’s not you, it’s me! I’m glad the building has someone whose friendliness makes up for my party pooper tendencies.”
The essence
A person fears their apartment building's neighbor, Pepper, is becoming too friendly and wants to avoid interaction without confrontation.
