Let’s Swap Flats! Why Do You Need a Three-Bedroom Apartment?” Explained a Neighbour.

Dear Diary,

Today a neighbour tried to convince us to swap flats. Why would you need a threebedroom flat? he asked, as if wed already agreed on anything.

My daughter, Emily, and I live in a rather pleasant flat that I inherited from my mother. It has three separate rooms, each with its own door and no internal passage. Theres a spacious hallway, a separate toilet and bathroom, a modest kitchen, and a very large balcony. Each of us occupies our own room, and we share a sizeable living room. Were happy and have no plans to move anytime soon.

The incident unfolded like this. While walking down the high street of Sutton, Mr. Robert Evans stopped me as though wed already settled a deal. He corrected me in a tone that left no room for argument.

Tell me, I thought, you live with your daughter, dont you? Why dont you move into my flat and I move into yours? We have two rooms, thats plenty for you! Why would you need a threebedroom flat? Think about it. Two rooms are enough for two people. Dont worry about our flat being small; theres room to spare! Weve been hunting for a larger place for ages, but the listings are poor. Your flat is exactly what we need, and well pay extra, I assure you.

I listened to him with unwavering attention, even interrupting when he spoke of how wed get along. I wondered whether hed already decided everything for Emily and me and expected me to simply move into his tiny flat. It sounded absurd.

I think youre joking, I replied. If youre serious, why would you think wed want to downsize? Do you expect me to abandon my spacious home for something that feels like a tin can? If I ever consider swapping my threebedroom flat, it wont be for a place like that. And what do you mean enough for two? Im not swapping.

He muttered something about wanting the best for everyone, about us living in each others flats, and that we didnt know what was good for us.

Were still in our flat. Mr. Evans and his family have stopped greeting me. My refusal clearly offended them.

Lesson learned: standing your ground protects the home youve built and the peace you cherish.