I live in a apartment with all outside entrances. Despite my closest neighbor being here for probably a year at least, if not a bit longer, I don't really know them at all. I've probably seen them a few times here and there but that's it.
Anyway, they have a door mat that says "mischief and mayhem" on it. Even though I'm 99% sure it's not Harry Potter related it was the first thing that popped in my head, mainly revolving around the Marauders Map. Specially the phrase "mischief managed" to clear the map.
As such, I have had it in my head for a while now to get myself a mischief managed door mat. With their door being only a couple feet from mine it seems like it would be kind of a fun thing when people walk by or whatever. BUT because I don't really know them, I have no clue how they might take it .
I wanted to do it like a surprise of sorts, and thinking it would be a fun way to introduce myself , but I also had the thought of just knocking on their door and saying hi first and maybe mentioning the mat before buying it just in case. But that kind feels like it would spoil the fun.
So here I sit without a door mat and not really sure if I actually want to buy it now or not lol. What would you do?
Posts: 496 | Location: Sussex WI | Registered: April 04, 2010
I think it’d be hilarious, however, that’s me. You’re right, if you don’t know these folks well enough, I’m not sure that I would do that without introducing myself first to get a sense of their personalities. You don’t need to tell them what you’re planning to do, but you don’t want it to be taken the wrong way either. Maybe you could arrange to bump into them as they’re coming out/going in?
Originally posted by tatortodd: Buy it. It's your entrance. Might even be a convo starter with the nearest neighbors.
This right here.
If they take offense at your doormat, they’re not the kind of people that you want to befriend anyways. If they have a laugh about it, you know your neighbors are cool.
There’s no fucking way I would ask my neighbors for permission about my doormat.
quote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey: I'd fly to Turks and Caicos with live ammo falling out of my pockets before getting within spitting distance of NJ with a firearm.
Posts: 4623 | Location: Staring down at you with disdain, from the spooky mountaintop castle. | Registered: November 20, 2010
Despite my closest neighbor being here for probably a year at least, if not a bit longer, I don't really know them at all. I've probably seen them a few times here and there but that's it.
Anyway, they have a door mat that says "mischief and mayhem" on it.
As such, I have had it in my head for a while now to get myself a mischief managed door mat.
You've never made it a point to introduce yourself to them for over a year and you want to get a mat that can be taken as an answer to their mat?
I would see that as a passive-aggressive move on your part. You should go introduce yourself and give them a late welcome to the building first. Don't bring up your idea for your welcome mat. Because that would be weird.
Wait another month after meeting them before putting out your mat. When you see them next, then just gesture to your own mat with a smile.
"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
Posts: 20599 | Location: The Free State of Arizona - Ditat Deus | Registered: March 24, 2011
Their mat could be a literary reference (Google it), or they just thought it sounded cool. I had a GO AWAY mat all through college. I agree that your decision should be yours, and your neighbors' mat shouldn't come into play. If you get a chance to chat with them, take it. If not, carry on. Some people just like to keep to themselves. I'm OK with that.
I don't miss apartment living one single bit. If issues like door mats start coming up, they are too close!
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-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --
Posts: 18010 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: October 14, 2005
