I had no idea such thing existed in adults, until I started this new job a few months ago. I’m an only child and while I have had some relationships, I’ve never shacked up with anyone. Also, never lived in dorms or Greek housing. I guess this is why I’ve been so clueless about this so long.
I went to school of course, and I worked several jobs. However, in all of these settings, we all had a lot of space. This job is different, I deliver. The depot where we all load our materials into our vehicles is small for the amount of workers. Everyone seems to be in my way, but I don’t say anything, that’s just in my nature. But, I also seem to be in everyone else’s way, too. Unlike me though, they are reacting.
I am getting into constant confilcts (usually with men) about parking in certain places, spending too much time loading things into my vehicle (there’s assigned stations, usually about 4-5 people, first come first serve), using the wrong restroom, etc.
It doesn’t stop once I get out on the road. When I’m delivering stuff to houses and businesses, we are obviously required to pull over and turn on our blinkers. When I’m parked on the left side on the road, I’d say 6/10 times a driver honks at me to move, gestures that they need to pass, and sometimes they just sit there and wait until I’m done delivering. And this is while the other side of the road is completely clear and passable! Unlike back at the depot, it’s men and women behaving this way.
I feel like I’m back in fifth grade fighting over bus seats and handlebars. How do I settle such conflict over space with adults? When I was little, I would just hit them, curse them out, or tell a teacher. Obviously, I don’t have these alternatives in the real world. What sort of additional things that adults are territorial about, outside of cars/roads/parking? I can’t imagine running into this sort of stuff if I decide to get roommates or move in with a significant other.