I find it difficult to tell people what I need. This has been something I’ve tried to overcome for the last ten or so years, however I still really struggle to speak up when I need to. This struggle comes from an internalised fear that I am annoying, overreacting or being way too expectant of the people around me. It’s been tough, to say the least, especially because I go without a lot of things that would really make a positive impact on my life.
Currently, I’m trying to work up the courage to ask my landlord to get someone to install ducted heating. Sydney apartments, such as my own, are notoriously cold due to their lack of proper insulation. When I moved into the apartment around six months ago, I wasn’t aware of how terribly cold the apartment was in winter. If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have moved in. I am struggling more and more each day, even just attempting to get out of bed. I fear that I’m getting frostbite, so I am too scared to leave the confines of my electric blanket.
My parents have been trying to convince me to contact the landlord for weeks. They keep repeating how valid my request for heating installation is, and logically I know it’s a fair request… I just can’t do it. When I think I finally have it figured out, a rush of thoughts come swarming into my head. What if I’m making his life really difficult? What if it costs him too much money and he can’t afford to eat that night? What if the others who lived here before me managed to cope and I’m just being a baby? It’s torture.
I know I need to suck it up and just call him about the heating & cooling. Sydney-siders request things from their landlords all the time. Why should I be any different? I’m scared though. I hope I can work up the courage to ask before I lose my fingers to frostbite.