Introduction
Followers of my blog might assume that I live a hassle-free lifestyle and that I’m constantly doing luxurious activities and getting pampered at high end spas or beach clubs. But the truth of the matter is, that there are always two sides to any story. And that’s what this post is all about: The other side of my lavish Dubai lifestyle.
So allow me to use this blog and writing this post as a form of therapy. Since well I need to let it out, and no, telling every person I meet about my noisy neighbors is still not enough relief!
When I first viewed my current studio apartment, I thought it was perfect; it was compact (which meant easy maintenance), it had a balcony with a relaxed view of a lake, it was on a high floor (just like I wanted), it’s within walking distance to the metro station (I don’t drive, so that’s very important for me), and another great selling point to me was this: the building was brand new so no one has stayed in the apartment before me.
There’s one highly significant point that I didn’t notice though, and it makes a great impact especially when you live in a small studio apartment in a building that doesn’t have sound proof walls nor is built using good quality materials. And that point is: the neighbors.
Short History and Facts
- When I first moved to the apartment in 2011, there was a Lebanese couple with their toddler staying in the apartment opposite my apartment.
- Occasionally, you would hear the kid crying and the mother screaming at the top of her lungs at him. Which lead to more crying by the child.
- A year or so ago, the mother had a second baby (girl). So now the crying comes from two kids, and the screaming from one or two parents (depending on who’s around).
- Recently, she hired a nanny. But sometimes, she kicks out the kids with the nanny out of the apartment. That’s when they sit in the corridor and the noise or nanny’s singing voice become even more clear.
- A previous neighbor of theirs went to their apartment once and asked the lady if she could help her with the little kid. As she felt that “something unusual” was going on in their home.
The amount of negative energy in that house is immense. The only time it’s peaceful and quiet is when they are out or if it’s very late and the kids have gone to sleep! most of the time, I have my radio switched on, but as soon as I turn it off, I would hear the noises of the mother shouting at her kids or the kids crying and screaming.
I do tend to work from cafes on most days of the week, but it’s nice to stay in and relax at your home every once in a while. Well, guess what? I can’t do that now! so I have to keep myself and my schedule fully occupied in order to spend more time outdoors than at my own home!
OK honestly I do that mostly because I also need to be out there all the time since I’m still building my career and my blog and everything. But if I had a proper desk at my place and a quiet atmosphere, then I wouldn’t have to keep looking for new wired cafes to go work at!
I’m not an expert in parenting or motherhood, but isn’t it common sense that when you scream at a child from the top of your lungs in a hysterical tone of voice (and possibly use other forms of abuse), they will only cry harder and continue crying for a longer period of time?
I mean hasn’t she figured that out by now? I think for her own health and sanity, she should try other ways of disciplining her children and making them behave the way she wishes.
So while I am getting ready for my next stress-relieving massage treatment, glamorous dinner, or lazy day at a posh beach club, I would hear the ongoing disturbing noises from my disrespectful and shabby neighbors. Or more recently, the maid’s enchanting melodies of ABC or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!
What does the future hold?
My rent ends next year in April, and when I told a friend about my noisy neighbors and that I plan to just renew my tenancy for this year, she was shocked and said: “and you will tolerate it all this time?”
Well, let me just say that I have a high tolerance for agitating and irritating situations and people. Since I have dealt with a good number of them my entire life.
I know that I’m looking forward to moving to another building next year. Hopefully to a one-bedroom that will save me any new drama or noisy neighbor surprises. What I’m not looking forward to though is the hassle of moving to another place, with all of my furniture, kitchen appliances and of course, personal belongings. And the cherry on top of it all is this:
I have to do it all by myself.
Final Thoughts
Are some of us destined to a lifetime of suffering? sometimes, it seems that we can’t escape from bad situations or people no matter how hard we try to avoid them or cut them out of our lives. Maybe we tend to attract challenging situations on a regular basis. Which means that we are constantly growing and learning and developing into more mature, wise and compassionate human beings. After all, suffering does make you more humane and tolerant of others.
The next time you see me in a negative or down mood, don’t ask the reason behind it. It will most probably be my mental neighbors 😀