moved in, I gave her my usual card.
Maintenance.
Recycling.
Quiet hours.
Building manager.
She grows herbs on her balcony.
So far, nothing has come over the railing.
Every morning, I still sit outside.
Coffee.
Plants.
My chair.
And the grey-blue cushion that doesn’t quite match.
I could’ve replaced it with the correct color months ago.
I haven’t.
I think I prefer it this way.
Boundaries and Compassion Can Coexist
That cushion reminds me of two things that people sometimes mistakenly believe cannot coexist.
Boundaries and compassion.
Being reasonable doesn’t mean tolerating everything.
Being kind doesn’t mean allowing someone to repeatedly disrespect you.
When someone crosses a line, talk to them.
Give them an opportunity to correct it.
But when they make it clear they won’t, you’re allowed to protect your space.
Document what’s happening.
Understand your rights.
Use the systems available to you.
You don’t have to scream to
