No More Beige

Written for https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2026/03/09/share-your-world-9th-march/

1. What is the worst place you have ever lived in (house, town, caravan, other)?

We rented a property for about three months when we needed a temporary residence between purchases. Renting for three months was the only option.

You couldn’t wipe any dirty marks off the wall without the paint going with it. The fuse box was ancient, straight out of the seventies. When the fuse went, you would have to thread the wire through the hole. The overflow pipe went straight into the living room, and when our cistern was overflowing with water, it went straight onto the carpet, covering everything in toilet water. I learnt to hate beige; I have not added that colour to my home again!

We owned a dog and cats, along with a beige carpet. Not a good mix. I did my best to cover the carpet with my own rugs, but it didn’t stop everything. I was annoyed when we were accused about the smell of the carpet, when it was flooded by the toilet cistern.

I was walking on eggshells the whole time I was there – we didn’t get our deposit back.

Funnily enough, the next house we rented was full of wooden flooring (much better for pets). We slept in the front room on a sofa bed. There was a tiny kitchen at the back, but I was happier there than in the beige house.

2. Would you like to live in a large property with a big garden or a small cottage in the middle of nowhere?

A small cottage in the middle of nowhere because I am not a gardener.

3.  Do you feel comfortable in a crowd/group of people?

No! Well, that isn’t quite true. If I am comfortable with the people it is okay. Amongst strangers, not a chance. I went to a writing activity last month, and everyone went for a drink afterwards. I had to go because my lift went. I think, from training at work, that I may be on the autistic spectrum, and my fear of crowds makes sense.

4.  Do you enjoy your own company?

Mostly, I do like to sit by myself and write, watch television, or have a relaxing bath. However, spending time with family is something I enjoy.

Gratitude

I am grateful for the chance to be myself amongst family and friends. They know who I am, and I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else. Masking can be exhausting, especially at work.