3 people in a studio apartment

Here it is, 3 adults and two cats crammed into a studio. Sleeping on the floor, sharing resources, humor, cigarettes and stories of encouragement. The economy has effected everyone but the upside of this seemingly cramped up reality is a makeshift family of support. They don't have much, but tend to share benevolently what they do have. Living so frugally and in such small quarters allows more shared amenities like internet and tasty meals. Only a Television would make the space seem small, but they do with out.

There is a story here that three highly intelligent and somewhat educated people find themselves in such a situation. First there is "Douglas", a student and forty something man with acetic tendencies who prefers the uncomplicated life of simplicity to one of material trophies. Something of a hermit he opens his heart and home to friends in need. The rent and bills are paid from his rather meager resources of financial aide. He has lived here on his own for several years. He opened his doors and floor space to friends in need.

"Joe" is a thirty something man moved back to his home town after a long term relationship that broke down caused him to head for home to reevaluate his own values and place in the world. His sister could not have him underfoot since her roommates objected so Douglas took him in. Something of an upper middle class childhood has given him something of a sense of entitlement but he is a compassionate and well meaning man. He has a good job (now) but something of an alcoholic he has no head for money, or saving or moving himself on from the lap of friendship and sense of family he has found. Making more money in two weeks, then the other two put together in a month, Joe is perpetually broke, but good natured with a gregarious and infectious laugh.

At last there is "Tara". The newest addition to this scenario. A forty something student and empty-nester, longing for connection and the satisfaction of family and someone to look after from time to time. Tara moved “home” looking for new horizons after two divorces and a failed attempt at defining herself by someone else's criteria. She decided to surrender to a lifelong affection and sense of devotion to Douglas -regardless of the scope of that relationship- And didnt want to be stuck with her parents. She works at a job that she is extremely overqualified for and severely underpaid at. She buys and cooks most of the food, and is content with her boys.

All enjoy the realm of intellect and compassion' f friendship over material commodities, and of humor, shared experience and of facing the hurdles of life with like minded individuals. But still, I cannot think of any other roommate situation I have seen that has flowed so smoothly nor been as close nit or satisfying in itself to the individuals. Perhaps it is the long standing admiration, respect and deep love the others feel for Douglas, and the geeky humor that connects them in Joe's quick wit and friendly banter. But more then anything it seems to be about reciprocal respect.

Its a sense of open communication, honesty and voluntary reciprocity. As a group, all 3 huddle on the tiny excuse for a front porch to smoke cigarettes together because of genuine enjoyment of one another's company. Privacy would appear to be lacking but is replaced with genuine regard and holistic respect. An entirely new experience for most of them, there is an air of gratitude and casual, happy acceptance of what to many people would be an inconceivable imposition or hardship.

So there it is 3 people making it work in a studio apartment, turning what appears to be hardship into a blessing and person choice regardless of how it might seem to those looking in.