It's Personal

I have made a terrible mistake and I am paying for it now. I got to know a tenant. I listened to her story, gave her breaks I shouldn't have and now I have had to do my job and kick her out.

I know what I did wrong. I got caught up in her drama and her promises to pay. And, I fully believe she intended to do right. She did pay--but only often enough to keep me at bay. And, I let her, ignoring the obvious signs.

When I finally decided to kick her out, the decision was easy. I have a partner I am accountable to. The business end of this--the choice to get rid of her--was cut and dry. I called the service contract, told them not to accept partial payments. And, this time, don't call me to see if I would change my mind. Just send it back. Don't let me know. Because, I might change my mind. Then again, I might not.

I happen to like this person quite a bit. She is a great woman, fantastic mother and someone I have been proud to call my friend. What she thinks of me? I have a few ideas. Or rather, what she will think of me when she gets notice, probably isn't too pretty. It doesn't change my decision. Once my business hat was on, I could see the reality of the situation. Black and white.

I keep thinking about what is happening to her right now. The mundane stuff. Like, is she putting the kids in bed when the process server comes to the door? Or, is she relaxing with a glass of wine, reading today's headlines? Has the process server been there yet? Is she expecting the notice? Will it be a shock to her? How will she react? All these "girl friend" things I think about. Will she intellectually understand it had to happen?

I hate this part of my job. I have kicked people out before. Sometimes it has been harder than other times. This one is the worst. Because I made mistakes early on. It wasn't just that I let it get personal--though that plays a big part. But because it was personal, I let things slide too much. And what did I do? I set her up for failure by not holding her accountable. And, I set myself up too.