Lets swap flats. Why would you need a threebedroom flat? a neighbour remarked.
My daughter, Emily, and I live in a rather pleasant flat that I inherited from my mother. Its a threebedroom flat, each room is separate and theres no internal hallway connecting them.
Theres a spacious corridor, a separate toilet and bathroom, and the kitchen is small but opens onto a very large balcony. Each of us occupies our own bedroom and we share a roomy sittingroom. Were very happy and have no plans to move anytime soon.
Then the incident happened. Mr. Thompson, who lives down the road, approached me on the high street and spoke as if we had already reached an agreement. He simply told me off.
Do you realise you live with Emily, dont you? Why dont you move into my flat and I move into yours? I have two rooms thats more than enough for you! Why do you need a threebedroom flat? Think about it. Two rooms are sufficient for two people. And dont worry about our flat being small; theres plenty of space. Weve been hunting for a larger place for ages, but the listings are poor, and your flat is exactly what we need! Rest assured, well pay extra.
I listened to Mr. Thompson very carefully, very attentively. I interrupted him when he began chatting about how we would get along. I even wondered whether he had already decided everything for Emily and me, and I only needed to move into his tiny flat. That sounded wonderful!
I think youre joking. And if youre serious, how could you think wed want to move into a smaller flat? Do you think Id abandon my spacious home for a place that feels like a tin can? If I ever wanted to swap my threebedroom flat, it certainly wouldnt be for something like that. And what do you mean enough for two? Im not swapping.
Mr. Thompson mumbled something about wanting the best for everyone, so wed be comfortable us in his, him in ours. You dont know whats good for you, he added.
We still live in our flat. Mr. Thompson and his family no longer greet us; my refusal clearly offended them. In the end, I realised that pride in a home isnt about size or pressure from others, but about knowing what truly suits you; staying true to ones own needs brings lasting peace.
