A little bit of... sorting things out

Facing problems has never been a forte – am rather the non-confrontational variety.

Earlier this year, my landlady, like all propertied gentry of this country, felt that her tenant (me) was the scum of this earth and needs a bit of shaking now and then. So she decided to give grief. I was down with a heavy fever when she decided to 'have a conversation' with me. Twenty minutes of lecturing around and putting down new clauses to my tenancy led to me getting impatient (and not to mention the drowsiness from the fever) and asking, 'woman, if you want me to leave then say so, and in so many words – why are we beating about the bush'.

She was a little taken aback – and we parted thirty seconds later, both wanting to think about things.

I called up various property agents immediately and asked to be shown new accommodations. After a while, I called Ps up to tell them what happened. They were both at home at that time.

Ma and I are very similar as people. Ma's first reaction was, O no, where will you go now... have you started looking for other houses

The Father quietly heard me out and told me to do what I thought was best (the level of faith that this man has in me is creepy).

I got a call from my father the next morning. He was at work. Following conversation ensued.

"So what have you decided?"
"I told you... will have to look for another house"

"But what did she say exactly?"
"We discussed this yesterday no? (and I launch into executive summary mode and give a brief synopsis)"

"Ok... and you think finding another house will work out?"
"Yeah... I don't want to deal with her tantrums again and again"

"I can’t believe I raised you for this"
"(pause... can't believe what I just heard)... what?"

"Anyone scares you and you run away? Is this what I have passed on to you? I can't believe you are my daughter"
"Err... I don't know what to do then..."

"Stay back and fight... you have every right to"
"Err... ok..."

"And don't be scared – she can't do anything to you"

In 48 hours post this conversation I was facing my landlady again. I had done certain things which were bound to displease her. She came to my door to yell at me.

Me, about to shut the door on her: "Maybe we can talk when you are in a better mood?"

She looks quiet for a moment and reaches to hug me... "I am so sorry... Been a little stressed... I am like your mother... blah blah blah"

"Sorry, but my mother does not yell like this. And I definitely don't like getting yelled at"

Thirty seconds later life was sorted out. I still live here. Though I still avoid her at all costs. If I know she is coming down, I walk out from a different direction.

Anyhow. Moral of the story is – it is time to raise some dust again. Not with landlady, but elsewhere. There are problems and I know if I tell Ps, I will only get more mockery from my father. So will have to take this on myself. Wish me luck.