The Inconvenience of Living Together

It’s been almost two months since I brought home a cat from the shelter. Since Princess (my cat's name) came into my life, I’ve been keeping my place tidier than when I lived alone. Whenever I open or close the fridge or the bathroom door, I’m extra careful, worrying that Princess might get hurt—she has a particular fascination with the bathroom. I also find myself constantly checking under my feet to avoid stepping on her. At night, I share my small bed with her, which means sacrificing some comfort to make space for her. Everything has become more inconvenient compared to living alone. Yet, the happiness she brings far outweighs these inconveniences. Though my freedom feels more restricted now, I feel a warmth I could never experience when I was on my own.

I used to think the restraints that come with love were beautiful, and now I realize the small inconveniences of living with a loved one feel quite similar.