Sadly apartment complexes (unless they are very expensive) are magnets for people whose lives haven't turned out the way they wanted, and it's these people you have to watch out for. They're always upset because they haven't succeeded in life, and they're looking for someone to blame.

It sucks to admit this, but when I see someone over 35 in my complex I try to avoid them, assuming that they're probably not where they want to be, and that they are probably miserable and are just waiting to bring someone else down to their level.

That's worked pretty well. The younger folks (22-30) are always super-friendly, often have multiple dogs and are generally easygoing and alert about what their dogs are doing. They're living in this place because they're on the first leg of their post-college journey and are usually gainfully employed and generally earnest (yes, even the potheads).

The people who have given me real problems are all 40+ and are stupidly hardheaded...and even flat-out aggressive when challenged about their behavior.

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Sadly apartment complexes (unless they are very expensive) are magnets for people whose lives haven't turned out the way they wanted, and it's these people you have to watch out for. They're always upset because they haven't succeeded in life, and they're looking for someone to blame.

It sucks to admit this, but when I see someone over 35 in my complex I try to avoid them, assuming that they're probably not where they want to be, and that they are probably miserable and are just waiting to bring someone else down to their level.

Well, I'm over 35 and living in an apartment complex, but this doesn't describe me or most of the folks in my building. I had to jump through hoops to get in here, as did my neighbors so for the most part it's been a good experience.

I have rarely had problems with my neighbors where my dog is concerned, but will admit when there ARE problems it's initially very upsetting. Ultimately though, I've found that it comes to nothing and occasionally leads to some interesting Karma.

Once, a little blond twenty-something who was apparently quite used to getting her own way and afraid of my dog (and hoping to get him "removed") complained to the office that I was allowing my dog to poop in the common area and not cleaning it up. I don't know what she thought lying would accomplish, but ultimately she made a nasty reputation for herself, and it did nothing at all to affect me. She moved within a couple of months after her complaint.

It sounds like the woman who accused Ryuk of attacking her dog has made herself a similar reputation. I think more often than not, whining and complaining says much more about the complain-er than the complain-ee. I've learned to just do what I'm supposed to do and let the nonsense slide off my back.

When I was twenty-something I knew everything too, but I've found that the older I get the more I realize I have a lot to learn

I also live in an apartment and have been getting complaints about not cleaning up after my dogs. Got one just the other day. This couldn't be any farther from the truth I always clean up after my dogs! I guess the assumption is just because it happens in front of my apartment must be my dogs. No one is taking into consideration the dogs that walk by all the time. I imagine outside my apartment is prime territory due to the smells left by my dogs.

 Quote: kristel smart

Well, I'm over 35 and living in an apartment complex, but this doesn't describe me or most of the folks in my building. I had to jump through hoops to get in here, as did my neighbors so for the most part it's been a good experience.

Well, sounds like yours is more exclusive than average, which lends itself to more responsible older folks (and perhaps more bratty entitled younger ones). I should have said "exclusive" instead of "expensive." I've lived in those too and that's how the dynamic was.

Anyway, it sucks, and I agree that the complainer usually ends up looking worse in these things, generally. Which is why generally reasonable folks don't complain, which enables the psychos to get away with far more of their nonsense than they should.

On the upside, the psychos quickly become recognized as such and after awhile people stop listening.

I suspect this will happen (if it hasn't already) to the nut that accused poor Ryuk of of attacking.

I would be mindful of it Jamie, but not let it get to you too much. There are crazy folks wherever you go, and there's no controlling their behaviour or perception of things. The only thing you can do is decide how much you want to let it effect you.

The good part about being 'old' is that you've had a lot more practice ignoring stupid behavior, so you get really good at it. Something to look forward to