He Moved Into an Apartment With Religious Decorations Everywhere, But Little Did He Know His Bold Decision Would Ignite a Battle.

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In a heated battle for personal space and harmony, the original poster (OP) confronts his neighbor and the building society they both inhabit over a persistent display of religious signage outside their apartment doors.

The New Home

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OP moves into a new apartment building, meeting a neighbor whose door faces his. The shared wall between their doors is decorated with religious icons and artifacts, creating a shrine-like atmosphere. OP, not being religious, feels uncomfortable with the arrangement.

Rough Start

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OP decides to keep an open communication style with his neighbors and decides to confront them. This does not start their relationship off on a positive note at all, but OP decides to press forward anyway.

The Promise

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OP talks with the neighbor, who appears genuinely nice and understanding, promising to remove the religious adornments. This initial interaction provides OP with a sense of relief, hoping the issue will soon be resolved. The neighbor blames the apartment’s vacancy as the reason for the decorations and promises to clear them out.

The Waiting Game

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The promise of clearing the wall turns into a prolonged ordeal for OP, with the neighbor consistently postponing the task. The tension grows as OP repeatedly reminds the neighbor about their agreement.

The Slow Clearance

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After several reminders, the neighbor begins removing the adornments gradually, starting with the tables and then other ornaments. However, a large religious painting remains as the centerpiece of the shrine, persistently annoying OP.

The Obstinacy

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It becomes apparent to OP that the neighbor has no intention of removing the painting. This act of stubbornness leaves OP feeling deceived. The painting, once an annoyance, now symbolizes the neighbor’s refusal to respect OP’s comfort in his new home.

Seeking Higher Authority

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Frustrated with the neighbor, OP turns to the building society for assistance. The building society initially shows sympathy towards OP, raising his hopes for a resolution. However, the society later changes its stance, claiming it cannot intervene in the matter.

The Revelation

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OP learns that the neighbor is a member of the building society’s board, explaining the society’s reluctance to help. This revelation further fuels OP’s frustration and feelings of powerlessness.

Accusations and Ridicule

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The building society accuses OP of stirring religious disharmony, turning the tables on OP. A member even argues that the painting’s religious nature prevents OP from requesting its removal. These accusations leave OP feeling victimized and isolated.

Peer Pressure

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Friends suggest that OP is overreacting, urging them to keep the peace for the sake of community harmony. While understanding the neighbor’s need for religious expression, OP resents being compelled to bear the brunt of their decorative choices.

Not A Big Deal

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When OP turns to the internet about his predicament, he is met with a lot of backlash. Many people tell him to get over it, get over himself, and move on. Others are big advocates for religious expression. This weighs heavily on OP.

The Petty Temptation

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Feeling cornered and unheard, OP contemplates a petty revenge – filling the shared wall with symbols of all religions. This act would comply with society’s rule not to remove religious images but would also send a clear message to the neighbor.

Doubt and Self-Reflection

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OP begins to question his actions, wondering if he’s justified in his anger or just being unreasonable. The fight for personal space evolves into a deeper, personal crisis. Was he the problem in this situation after all?

Was Asking His Neighbor To Remove Religious Signage Appropriate?

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The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Let it go. They removed most of it. This sounds like you just want to be right, or you are overreacting.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote: “They have just as much right to practice and express their religion as you do to not. It was very bold of you to move in after them and have the nerve to knock on their door, asking them to remove their property because you don’t like it due to it being religious in nature. Discrimination and persecution go both ways.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person states, “ This is a really dramatic overreaction to a picture you see a couple of times a day. It’s literally a picture.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another viewpoint on the story: “You are acting like a child and borderline harassing these people. I highly advise you to get a grip and either move or shut up. How is this at all acceptable behavior to you?”