Posted by kalyb on June 13, 2003, at 8:53:21
In reply to You aren't, posted by whiterabbit on June 12, 2003, at 16:50:12
Thank you, Gracie!!
> If you can afford to pay rent there, you could afford to pay rent elsewhere, couldn't you?
I wish it were that easy! If it was, I'd have left months ago. I've posted about this before, but I am not working because of my illness (I wouldn't be able to hold a job down, and I'm almost unemployable due to my poor work record).
Instead, I am on a state benefit, a type of disablement allowance. Some of my rent is paid for me by the DSS (the govt. department) and I have to make up the rest out of my meagre allowance.
There is great prejudice against people on benefits in this country. If I look through the local paper for housing, every advertisement carries the stipulation: No DSS. And in any case, most places require a large deposit plus rent in advance, which I could not hope to save for on my allowance. (Well, I could in theory, but it would take about a year!).
I have been told to apply for council housing, but I know what it will be - a one room self-contained bedsit in a rough, bad area, (kind of like your "projects") and I know the waiting lists are long... It may well take 6 months to a year.
>....it can't be helping your state of mind to live with someone who criticizes all the time (and I know EXACTLY how you feel....
Thanks! She is not a bad person. She tries very hard to be kind, but it's just not working. She thinks she is doing her best, but it's all at the wrong angle, and she has such strong opinions on almost everything that I cannot hope to change her views.
>Besides, it just sounds like a "loud house" that would drive me up the wall in no time.
I've lived in loud houses before, I don't mind. It's weird, but I lived in shared houses for 12 years in the big city. It was hard - some of the people had problems of their own which affected me - but at least I was my own person and independent. Last night I dreamed I was moving back into one, with some of the people I used to share with.
> You're British, aren't you? I've always had the completely unfounded idea that I would be very happy there. I did live in Germany for 2 years and I'm very disappointed in myself for not visiting England, I can't imagine how I missed it.
Then you should come! It's not a sauna *grin*. I think you might like it, but the cost of living is higher than in the USA. Is there any chance you could come for a visit, a vacation? Why am I thinking it might do you some good....? :)
> Anyway, if I ever make it over there to live for awhile you can come stay with me! I'd need somebody to show me around and otherwise I wouldn't pester you.
Wouldn't that be wonderful!!! Could you really put up with me? Remember, my last bf got pissed off with me! (according to The Oracle) *very big grin*.....
Kalyb xx
(a little more at ease today)
poster:kalyb
thread:233461
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030604/msgs/233643.html