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I helped my neighbour bring in her laundry and accidentally started a cold war. When I moved in here, she was one of the people who proved to me that I wasn’t going to have any problem living in this compound. But now, she isn’t speaking to me anymore. Every time she sees me, she wears a very big frown. Her face folds into all kinds of shapes. I greet her, and she either chooses to ignore me or barely grunts a response. Her apartment is right next to mine. Every morning, when she sweeps, she sweeps part of my side too, and I return the favour whenever I wake up before her. If she ever catches me sweeping, she quickly grabs the broom from my hand before I can continue. One afternoon it rained, and I did something. Now she’s angry with me…..👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

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Instead of doing “tasks” for her (which seems to be the trigger), try gestures that don’t involve touching her property. A small gift—like a snack or fruit—left with a “Good morning” note can sometimes break the ice without invading her personal space.

The Lesson
In compound living, “help” is a currency. You gave her a “large bill” by touching her laundry, and she might not have the “change” to pay you back emotionally right now. Give it time; if you stop trying so hard to “help” her, she will likely realize you aren’t a threat and the frowns will eventually soften.

 

What do you think is the most likely reason she’s upset? Was it the type of laundry, or just the fact that you touched her things?

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