This is one that I have put off for the last couple of weeks since moving out from my family home in Langwarrin. I wanted some time to work out the new housemate dynamics and I wanted to see how I fit in before writing about how great things were, rather than rushing to praise a moment that might later fade. I didn’t want to find myself falling off the pink cloud. I didn’t want to jump the gun and tell the world how wonderful things are. I’ve done this before, only to find my arse homeless, couch surfing, or moving back in with my folks when reality didn’t match the optimism. I wanted to make sure this was real and not some wasted attempt to join my housemates and stumble through life together under a temporary illusion. Happily together is what I desire.
I’m happy to say that things have worked out well and I think I have placed myself within the house without interfering in how the other housemates live, while not getting trampled over in the process either. No matter who you live with there are going to be things that bother me, and the same goes for the other two people I live with — I’m sure there are things I do that irritate the hell out of them too. This is inevitable. For the record, I live with a chap who is about a decade older than me, but he’s friendly enough. He did lay down some ground rules, which I appreciated, as with some things I need to be told how they work. It’s just simple stuff: put the toilet seat down, keep the kettle at a certain level, that kind of thing. These are all easy compromises to make if it means keeping the house atmosphere at a decent vibe. The other gentleman is from Papua New Guinea. He’s a nice fella who, like me and the other housemate, mostly keeps to himself. The owner of the house works nights and I rarely see him; I’m not sure what his situation is, whether he has a second home or what the story might be, but I see very little of him. He told me I can’t vape in my room, which I’m happy to comply with just like the rules about the toilet and kettle. Things are quiet, and that suits me fine. I haven’t seen a single soul today. The one thing that does bother me a little is the volume of the talkback programs played throughout the day, but I can deal with that — this is what living in a shared environment is all about.
It’s a step above living with my old folks. As much as I love them, they can drive me nuts and, like living with housemates, it’s a two-way street. Things were manageable between us a few years ago when they both worked long hours outside the home, but now that they’re retired they’re obviously around much more often. Having my brother move in with them didn’t help matters either. I mean, get real, Dave — I’ll be 43 in April and my brother isn’t far behind me. That’s not exactly the retirement scenario my parents imagined, I’m sure. It was never meant to be a long-term arrangement for me. It was supposed to be an in-between house I’d move out of before finding a place of my own or settling into the situation I’m currently in. I saved some money and got sober while I was living there, so those were definite positives. Like so many things in my life, alcohol made a mess of things before I sorted it out. Even when I was drinking under their roof, they treated me with respect, and I’m so grateful that those issues are behind me now — both in my life and in theirs. Moving back in is unlikely, though it remains an option if everything falls apart where I’m staying at the time. I do my best not to burn my bridges with most people too.
One of the main negatives is that I’m in an area I’m not at all familiar with. I’m hopeless with directions. I know many people say that, but in my case it’s absolutely true. I’m not sure whether it’s related to my illness or if I’m simply a slow learner. Thank goodness for Google Maps! I have a friend — actually my ex-girlfriend, and pretty much my only close companion. We get along well and she lives only a five‑minute drive away. That’s convenient, but I still need Maps to find her place. What should be a five‑minute trip has turned into an hour‑long adventure more than once.
So there you have it! I really hope this all works out as planned. It’s still early days, but the house is almost brand new and in great condition. I have a large room with a king-sized bed, and the bills and utilities are included in the rent, which is pleasantly low. Keep it up, Dave! Don’t mess up something that is overall very good!