I think I did know somewhere in my subconscious that not everyone would agree with my idea of tiny living. I just hadn't realized how passionate and opinionated some people could be about it. So far, when I talk about leading a life in a tiny house I get one of four reactions.
First and most rare, the supporter. These ones are as excited and knowledgeable about the subject as I am. They clearly see the benefits, universal applications, and efficiency of the idea even if they don't necessarily want to live that way themselves.
Second, the slightly confused and repulsed. Particularly when I tell them about composting toilets. They just cannot imagine living that way without some revulsion. They also have a hard time understanding why an RV just isn't the same thing as a tiny house trailer.
Third, the brick wall. These ones are stoically against the idea and are willing to assure me with great feeling that I would not actually like living that lifestyle. They are certain that if I were to really try it that I would find out that it was both uncomfortable and unlivable. They also tend to laugh and shake their heads like egotistic college professors do when they hear an opinion from a seemingly naive student.
Fourth, the refuter. This person isn't really interested in hearing about the benefits. They've already decided that their are none and they are going to do their best to scare you out of the idea by listing everything that could possibly go wrong. What about parking laws? Where are you going to put everything? How will you be able to entertain company? What about your poor dog? What if you have kids and they become *gasp* teenagers?
If you find yourself dealing with some of these kinds of people. This is my advice.
To the first group. Welcome them. Embrace them. Make sure you have their numbers or at least Facebook them. They often will come across ideas you haven't heard yet that are perfect for incorporating into your tiny lifestyle. They will also give you inspiration and the peer affirmation to continue believing in the lifestyle you've already decided is pretty good.
To the second group. These are good people, they're just feeling a little out of their depth when you start debating about the pros and cons between composting and incinerating your feces. Instead, bring the discussion into their home court. Talk about organizing. Talk about money saving. Talk about downsizing and all of its benefits. Depending on the person, you'll more than likely find a topic you both agree on and be able to expand from there. Who knows. Maybe you'll convert them to group one. No promises, but support in some aspects is always a good thing.
To the third group. Don't waste energy desperately trying to convince them that you aren't the naive adult they've already decided you are. They've either had too much life experience or too many opinions under their belts to make room for ideas that go against their perspectives. They often don't realize that they are projecting their miseries onto your life and therefore can't see how unfair they are being. Since most of them are well-meaning in their warnings, take what they say with caution and a cup of salt. But don't let their energy sucking go on for too long. You could be convinced that you'll be stuck penniless on a highway and sharing a meal of roasted roadkill with a drifter called Screws.
Finally, to the fourth group. These are possibly the worst energy suckers of them all. Realize that they aren't actually interested in how you're going to solve all their concerns about your life. So instead of scrambling to find ways to make a perfect lifestyle that will simultaneously end world hunger, take a breath. It's not their life, it's yours. No life comes without bumps or some sacrifices. Just remember that you've decided that the benefits outweigh these problems and that hundreds are finding satisfaction around the country. If some of their concerns actually do have you rethinking living tiny, then be sure you make the choice out of love and not fear.
These people never really go away. They are going to be present in every major life decision you make. Enjoy it. Laugh about it. Cry about it. Just always remember, it's your life. It's your decision.
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