new in 4B now.

A woman in her thirties.

Friendly.

A little overwhelmed.

I gave her the same card I give everyone.

Maintenance numbers.

Recycling schedule.

Building rules.

She has herbs growing on her balcony.

Nothing has ever come over the railing.

And every morning, I sit outside with my coffee.

My chair.

My plants.

My slightly mismatched cushion.

My peace.

People sometimes think being reasonable means accepting everything.

It doesn’t.

Being reasonable also means knowing exactly where your limit is.

When someone crosses it, speak to them first.

Give them the opportunity to behave well.

Most people will.

If they don’t, document what happens.

Read your lease.

Know your rights.

Use the systems that already exist.

And after the issue is resolved, remember something else.

You don’t have to turn one grievance into a permanent judgment of another human being.

Daniel was wrong about the tea bags.

He was