The Territorial Roommate

That's me, alright.

That's me. I AM the territorial roommate. I'm a bad, bad, bad roommate to have. I'm not really sure why I'm so territorial. Maybe it's from growing up with brothers and sisters who had no clue what the words "Personal Space" meant. Maybe it's the deep, resounding fear that my things will be damaged, destroyed, misplaced, or just not put EXACTLY where and how I want them. I'm BAD about it.Maybe, just maybe, it's simply because I'm a raging bitch. Who knows?

It's different if the roomie and I GET the place TOGETHER. Then, it's OUR space, and I'm OK with them being in that space. Just, not anyone else. That's probably how the Hub has survived for this long. If you move in with me, on the other hand, it can quickly turn into all out war. I put things where I want them and I expect them to stay there! If you move it, move it back! If you use it, put it up when you're done! Oh, yes. I am a monster with this stuff. And, my DVDs? HA! You're taking you're life into your own hands if you leave a DVD uncased, laying around, in MY house. Just ask previous roommates, my kids, my close friends or the Hub. It's not a pretty sight. I go ballistic if the dishes are put in the wrong place, the laundry is folded "improperly", the furniture is slightly askew, a light-bulb isn't screwed in all the way, ...It's a bit ridiculous. And, I'm aware of how bad I am. I don't care. It's MY space, dammit!

Moving in with someone else. That's a totally different animal. I go into reverse territorial mode. Even if I'm just staying with them for a few days. I tent to try to be invisible. Mostly because I'm so afraid of invading their personal space and offending, and or, angering them. I put myself in their shoes, thinking of how annoying it is to lose your privacy, and it scares me. Again, I take it too far. Of course I do. I'm me. At present, I'm bunking with the in-laws thanks to my vehicle. It's a hater. It hates us. It died. :(  So, here I am, feeling like I'm always underfoot, even though I'm actually always in the corner on the computer. I can't help it.

My kids are territorial too. Maybe it's hereditary.

If you know someone like me, be gentle. We can't help it.