Dear anita,

yes, thank you for your advice. It just seemed to me that withdrawing myself further will not be a good idea. But to be polite and not bother people when they are busy is a good idea. Usually I try to be polite, but I also asked my roommates about the broken rack when they were eating, which was not so polite. And maybe not the best way to approach things.

About using property in the common areas, the new roommates already told me that they share their dishes. I would also let them use mine. But usually I wouldn’t take anybody’s things without asking, it was just that my laundry rack was used by someone else. And I thought it wouldn’t be a problem. Do you think it would be a good idea to stick a apology message to the rack, including some money for a new one? or is this awkward as well? I really didn’t mean any harm. Maybe I have to be more mindful in my interactions with people.