Published on 12, July, 2020
Should I obey rules or break them?
Do I take rules literally? When others bend and break them.
I am a social semi recluse, living alone in a first floor flat. I avoid socialising with neighbours because, Covid 19 rules say so. And I find small talk and socialising difficult at the best of times.
Now my problem
I long for a pet cat for company, but since my tenancy agreement explicitly forbids pets and I don't want to be evicted, I've decided not to get one while living here.
Over the past few weeks I've noticed live cats in my neighbours windows. It seems other people are ignoring the no pet rules and getting away with it.
A couple of days ago I spoke to one of my neighbours, breaking Covid rules???, He confirmed that he has a house cat, other neighbours have dogs and one even has a couple of tortoises.
Am I a fool for following the rules? And taking them literally.
I get SO angry when I see other people not following the rules when I am. Yesterday I saw somebody in their car reverse out onto a road and then stop to look at their phone. There were cars waiting for them to move as they were blocking the road and they just stayed there. I was on foot and merely a bystander but I was angry because it was inconsiderate. I think my biggest problem is bad manners rather than obeying the law specifically. My partner said I need to try not to let things that aren't affecting me directly get to me like that because I end up so stressed.
The fact that the tenants in your building have pets is really annoying. I wonder if the landlord/letting agents are aware? It is likely that if they find out, these tenants will lose their deposit or even risk eviction.
It isn't the same as a cat but could you get a caged pet or a fish? Most landlords don't accept pets because of the hair/smell and potential damage to the property.
Another option but this may be difficult if you struggle to leave the house is looking at Borrow My Doggy - I believe it is an app or a website that you sign up to and you are matched with dog owners in your area who are in need of someone to walk or look after their dog.