I have sort of been a squeaky wheel here at the condo. I've lived here just over a year and I am no shrinking violet since moving in. I've had a few issues with the "hate box" left at my door, complaint about ants in my place, the internet issues, construction outside my windows without notice, accessing my unit when I am "not here", and the 2 times our cars have been broken into. No small list really. And I don't think I am out of line.
I have noticed people just aren't very friendly. Sure in December, all my neighbors got neighbor gifts by their door but not me. Okay. I was "invited" to decorate the lobby in December but not asked to help take it down in January (although I had already said I would be happy to help). I attended the annual member meeting in February. And then I heard nothing about the bi-monthly meetings. I've been attending them since moving in. So I asked in June about them. I was told that I (and any other member) are welcome but they don't always publish the date so to just ask if I want to come. The next one was in August. The meeting was today.
In the past, the office was always open and extra chairs put out in case. But today, the door was shut and locked. I knocked and waiting about a minute for anyone to open them. No handouts were made for guests. And they went and found a chair for me but no one was quick to make a space for me to sit. I squished in between two of the people and listened. I offered a few comments or thoughts. It was a "stern" meeting and they acted almost irritated I was there and that I had thoughts. Nothing controversial mind you. It was then I realized my fear that I have been shunned by "the condo people" was confirmed.
I really think the issue is that at Christmas, I made it pretty clear I was not interested in joining the church activities. I declined in a very nice way. When I was asked to meet with the manager after my car was broken into, he had the nerve to say "Gosh, you've had bad luck. Do you think maybe you should go to church or something?" I did not find that funny at all. I was actually taken aback but mustered up to say "I might not go to church but I am a good person and probably more Christian like than many who go to church every week." I tried to laugh it off but it was not funny. I was not amused.
On Bryan Avenue, I know I had some Mormon neighbors but they were all nice and accepted me as a good neighbor. They were friendly and made me feel welcome on the street. They respected that I didn't want to be in the ward or attend activities. I forgot what it was like to live with judgemental neighbors. How it feels to be cast out because they "Don't like your kind". I am sure not everyone feels the same way but that is the vibe I get from "these" people.
How did I end up in a neighborhood like this? How do you feel good about where you live (in close quarters too) when the people living around you don't make you feel welcome or like you belong? Frankly, it makes me feel like raising a white flag and staying to myself. But that isn't the girl my parents raised.
So I will make it a special point to attend each and every meeting they have. I will make them tell me about them. I will continue to knock on the locked door. I will continue to squeeze my chair in even when they won't move their legs to make room. I will continue to raise concerns I have and bring up things I think will help the community here. I am going to continue to be active and around and show them that shunning me isn't going to make me go away. I've dealt with this off and on most my life. I'm not going away....I can't afford to sell and move. So we will have to find a way to live together as peacefully as possible.
I was talking to Mom tonight about it. She had wise sage advice. She said "Just remember they are all old and gonna die eventually". Hahahaha. That is too funny. I imagine at some point, they will realize I am not a heathen (although I would like to be sometimes) and really I am actually a decent neighbor that will be a good addition to the building. Bastards anyway.
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