I know that I am hyper-aware of my surroundings and cater to others’ comfort and the rules of the imagined reality that is society and personal space. Other people bother me frequently. I was just in the sauna patiently waiting for this couple to leave the chairs, so I could sit there and relax because I was getting too hot. One minute after I sat down these two women came from around the corner and I could tell they wanted my seat because there were only two. I had just waited for it. I wanted to sit there and I wasn’t going to give that up. Well, I should’ve because they ruined my zen. That is something you should never do to ruin someone’s zen. My zen quickly turned into rage as they wouldn’t stop talking, talking loudly in a space that echoes. They were not speaking English and I wanted them to enjoy themselves just as much as I was, but there are rules. There are unwritten rules in a spa. Be quiet that’s it. The couple that was there before them were very quiet and respectful of the peaceful atmosphere. These two women would not stop gabbing, and they were very loud. I get it if I was there with a friend I would be tempted to talk, but I wouldn’t ruin a relaxing space. I made my peace with them talking, but I don’t understand at all why they wouldn’t whisper to each other or talk quieter, because the space was so small and echoey, I thought they would at least be considerate. I made glances at them, hoping they would get the message. I thought about going to ask someone to ask them to be quiet, but I thought that would be awkward. I am just upset because they did this because they wanted to relax in the chairs like I was, but if I were given just five maybe ten minutes of quiet I would’ve grabbed my things and left (I know this is the classic childhood stance, but I’m keeping it). Now I am angry. I didn’t speak up because I didn’t want to ruin their fun, and at that cost, they had tainted my experience and polluted my peace. On the way out I thought about mentioning it to someone, but I didn’t want them to feel bad. We cannot control others’ behavior but I wish they would at least be considerate. That’s all. This is why I am constantly bothered by other people not being aware of the space around them, the comfort of others, and just basic manners. I accommodate others too much and in doing so I am less comfortable and happy in the precious moment I am trying to preserve for others. As a result, I probably have unrealistic expectations, but no one is asking them to be perfect, just considerate would do.