Woman Wants To Know If She'll Be An AH To Call The City On A Homeless Couple Who She Feels Are A Threat

All around the globe, there are people affected by the dearth of affordable housing. This includes college students, the working poor, and individuals in lower and middle-income brackets who have experienced unexpected catastrophes, as well as those on fixed incomes.

All of these factors contribute to the growing number of destitute individuals. According to social scientists, the typical person would be living on the streets for two months after losing their job or other sources of income.

Not just the physically disabled, the mentally ill, or drug abusers can experience homelessness; in fact, anyone can find themselves in this situation.

When you are homeless, you spend the entire day searching for hot meals, a quiet place to sit without being told to "move," a location to take care of your bathroom needs, and a dry, warm place to sleep. There are no secure locations to keep your possessions either, and opportunities begin to dwindle.

It is more difficult for the poor, particularly the homeless, to take care of grooming or to complete more challenging tasks like finding employment that pays a living wage. It's hard to get a drink of water when nobody wants to see you.

The OP shares how a homeless couple sleeps in the empty lot to the left of their house. These individuals are there all the time, living in a tent.

The OP feels uncomfortable that they are within earshot of their conversations, so she wants to call the city on them. 

So now, the OP is asking...

u/Intention-Lost

The empty lot behind the OP's house is owned by one of the businesses close by.

u/Intention-Lost

They have a trip coming up, and they will be away for a week and a half.

u/Intention-Lost

Understanding the Psychology of Fear and Safety

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading researcher in happiness and well-being, emphasizes that "our emotional responses to perceived threats can significantly impact our behavior and interactions with others." When individuals feel threatened, even in ambiguous situations, it often leads to a defensive mindset. According to her findings, "the brain's instinct to prioritize safety can overshadow our capacity for empathy and understanding." For more insights, visit her professional website at sonjalyubomirsky.com.

Let's hear what Redditors have to say regarding the story.

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This Redditor will get a trusted friend to house sit.

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Investing in ring cameras.

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This situation also touches on the concept of social responsibility versus personal comfort.

Psychologists have found that individuals often struggle to balance their desire to maintain personal safety with the moral obligation to help those in need.

Studies on bystander intervention reveal that when people feel threatened, they are less likely to engage in altruistic behaviors, preferring to protect themselves instead.

Generally speaking, camping is usually prohibited.

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Put a fence up if need be.

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From someone who has a neighbor that was recently targeted by a group of homeless individuals.

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The Role of Empathy in Community Conflicts

Empathy is crucial in navigating situations involving marginalized individuals, such as the homeless. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Empathy allows us to connect with others' experiences and can lead to more compassionate responses." When we engage our empathetic capacities, it can lead to more constructive outcomes, fostering understanding rather than fear-driven reactions. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert, states, "Empathy is the bridge that connects us to others, especially in challenging situations."

Do you judge all homeless people to be criminals?

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This Redditor chose to get a fancy security system.

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This Redditor says the OP has a right to be concerned.

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To address these feelings of threat, it’s essential to develop coping strategies that encourage reflection before action.

Practicing mindfulness can help individuals assess their emotions and reactions more clearly, allowing for a more measured response to perceived threats.

Engaging in community dialogues can also facilitate understanding and foster environments where empathy can thrive.

This Redditor wouldn't call the police unless they see direct evidence of risky behavior.

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This Redditor wouldn't use the police to harass people who haven't done anything wrong.

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They can keep an eye on your house.

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They'll probably watch over your house better than your neighbors.

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They have literally nothing to bother you.

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The cost of living is high at the moment.

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They are not trespassing, and they're not on your property.

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A little advice from someone who lives in the city.

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What do you expect the city to do?

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When did people develop such a lack of empathy?

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This Redditor would arrange a house sitter.

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One chooses to live on the streets. Those who spend the night on the streets are defending the only thing they believe is left: their right to personal independence.  

Redditors didn't find the OP's concerns odd, and she was declared "not the AH" at the end of it all. Drop your opinions in the comments below and share this post as well.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reveals a common conflict between self-preservation and ethical responsibility towards others.

It's essential to recognize that fear can cloud our judgment, and a deeper understanding of psychological triggers can help individuals make more compassionate choices.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Community engagement and understanding of psychological principles can significantly affect our responses to perceived threats.

As noted by trauma specialists, 'The balance between safety and compassion is often delicate but crucial for social harmony.'