By Ask Alice
Dear Alice,
I live alone in a large apartment building in the city and usually this would provide some level of anonymity, however, a new couple just moved into the unit next door and they won’t leave me alone. I’m an introvert and I really prefer to keep to myself. I’m happy to nod politely and say a quick hello to other residents that I see in the lobby or the elevator, but I really don’t feel the need to get into long conversations every time I step out of my door. My new neighbors feel differently. They’re always trying to strike up conversations with me and invite me over. I’m just not really interested in making new friends but I don’t want to be rude either. How can I go back to just being anonymous?
Sincerely,
Just One of the Crowd
