A heartless landlord gives a woman who falls short on her rent notice. But when he goes to his sister’s house for a family dinner, he is shocked to find her there.
Life is hard, and it becomes even harder if the hearts that surround us are made of stone. Diane Salinger knew about life. At sixty-two, she’d seen a lot more dark days than sunny and cried a lot of tears.
But Diane wasn’t the kind of woman to give up. Every time life knocked her down, she bounced back up again, ready to fight again. She had lost her husband three years before, then a tornado razed her home. But she just picked up the stakes and started over again.
Even when Diane explained why she was short on the rent, Chris showed no sympathy. | Source: Shutterstock.com
She took her savings and bought herself a small grocery store in a pretty mid-sized town in Michigan. It was perfect for her. A big enough town that would appreciate a few of the exotic items she intended to carry, small enough to be cozy and warm.
Cozy and warm might describe the community in general, but not Diane’s landlord, Chris Turkle. It was from Chris that Diane rented her small apartment within walking distance of the store.
When the going gets tough it’s important to be there for each other.
As far as it went, Diane was the perfect tenant. She was quiet, didn’t damage the property, and always paid her rent on time. And then one month, she was short.
Chris fanned out the money he’d taken from the envelope in front of Diane and waved it in her face. “$120 short, Mrs.Salinger.”
Diane’s house was destroyed by a tornado. | Source: Unsplash
Diane blushed. “As I was explaining, Mr. Turkle, since so many of the small businesses have been struggling during Covid… Well, I extended credit to some needy families…And this month, I’m a little short. But you know I’m good for it! I will pay you the $120 in two weeks…”
“If you’re willing to go under playing Mother Teresa, that’s YOUR problem,” Chris snapped. “I, Mrs.Salinger, am a businessman, not a charity! I want you out by the end of the week!”
“But Mr. Turkle…” Diane protested. “It’s only for a week, and it won’t happen again!”
Diane opened a lovely little grocery store. | Source: Unsplash
“It happened once, and it’s enough for me, Mrs.Salinger. You’re OUT.” Chris said coldly, and he turned his back and walked out. He felt quite justified. He’d seen Diane’s grocery store, and it did brisk business.
There were always people trooping in and out with heavy shopping bags full of delicious-looking produce, and her deli section, he’d heard, was extremely popular. “Short on cash indeed!” he snorted to himself. “Taking advantage is what it is!”
Chris went home and got himself ready to go to dinner at his baby sister’s house. Vanessa was his favorite sister, and he often worried about her. She had married and divorced a man who seemed to be constantly unemployed, and Vanessa worked two jobs to make ends meet.
He’d offered to give her 16-year-old son a weekend job, but Vanessa always refused, blushing. “It’s okay, Chris,” she’d say. “I’ll make do!” But Chris had seen the dark shadows under her eyes and how thin her face was getting.
One month, Diane was short on her rent. | Source: Unsplash
It was his nephew’s birthday, so Chris tucked a $20 note into an envelope and put it in his jacket pocket. Then he headed for the door and walked the three blocks to Vanessa’s house.
He knocked on the door, and Vanessa welcomed him with a happy smile. She looked more relaxed and a lot happier. Whatever she was cooking for dinner smelled delicious, and his mouth watered.
“Hey there!” he said, kissing her on the cheek. “Where’s the birthday boy?”
“Playing video games with Diane!” Vanessa smiled. “Come on in!” Vanessa walked to the stairs and shouted: “Joss, Diane, come on down! It’s dinner time!”
“I want you out by the end of the week!” | Source: Unsplash
To Chris’ chagrin, in walked Mrs.Salinger, the tenant he’d just booted out of his property, and she seemed to be on great terms with his nephew and his sister! Diane was just as stunned to see Chris, but she was admirably cool.
“Hello,” she smiled. “Nice to see you. I didn’t know you were Vanessa’s brother…”
Chris blushed and cleared his throat. “Ehr…Yes, my younger sister…you know…”
“Come on, everyone,” cried Vanessa. “The roast will get cold!”
Chis was shocked to see Diana at his sister’s house. | Source: Pexels
“Roast!” cried Joss. “That’s my favorite…But mom, I know you only get paid next week! How can we afford this?”
Diane smiled at Joss and patted his hand. “Don’t you worry about that,” she said. “Your mom’s credit is good with me. That smells AMAZING, and I’m starving!”
In a low voice, Chris leaned in and asked, “Is Vanessa the person you’re helping?”
Diane smiled. “She’s one of them,” she replied. “Maybe she didn’t tell you, but one of her jobs fell through, so I’m just helping out until she’s back on her feet.”
Chris felt a wave of shame color his cheeks. “I’m so sorry about…you know… But why doesn’t Vanessa come to me?”
Dinner was a wonderful roast from Diane’s store. | Source: Unsplash
Diane said gently, “You know, we all have our pride. Vanessa wants to stand on her own two feet and raise her boy. Help from a friend is one thing — being a poor relation asking for charity is another.”
Chris whispered, “I tell you what, from now on, you have the apartment at half-price — call it an investment in the town’s well-being and my sister’s!”
By the end of the evening, Chris had discovered that Diane was a very lovely and funny woman and that he enjoyed her company immensely. That night, his perception of his community shifted. He was going to follow Diane’s example. He was going to give a helping hand.
After that dinner, Chris started helping the community. | Source: Unsplash
What can we learn from this story?
- When the going gets tough, it’s important to be there for each other. Diane was quietly helping the poorer people in town by selling them food on credit she knew they could never repay.
- Being able to admit you’re wrong and change your ways is an extraordinary thing. Chris not only realized he was wrong about Diane, but he also started to help those who were struggling.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a curvy girl who arrives at a dinner party to discover her fiancé there with a woman assuming her identity.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
The Way You Sleep Reveals How Lazy You Are
Have you ever wondered what your sleeping position says about your personality? While it may seem like just another unconscious habit, studies suggest that the way you sleep can reveal hidden traits, emotional tendencies, and even your energy levels.
Could your love for sleeping on your stomach indicate a carefree personality? Does curling up in a fetal position mean you have a sensitive side? And most importantly—does your sleep posture expose just how lazy or active you truly are?
Let’s dive into the most common sleeping positions and uncover what they reveal about your personality, mindset, and, yes, even your motivation levels!
1. The Fetal Position – The Sensitive Yet Overworked Dreamer
Do you sleep curled up on your side with your knees tucked close to your chest? If so, you’re not alone—this is the most common sleep position, especially among women.
What It Says About You:
You appear tough on the outside but are sensitive at heart. You’re hardworking but prone to stress and overthinking. You like feeling safe, secure, and comforted while sleeping.
Are You Lazy?
Not exactly! People who sleep in the fetal position are often hardworking and emotionally intense. However, they can be prone to mental exhaustion, making them seem lazy when they take extra time to recharge.
2. The Log Position – The Social Butterfly with Low Effort Energy
If you sleep straight on your side with both arms at your sides, congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of appearing effortlessly cool in your sleep.
What It Says About You:
You’re easy-going, friendly, and social. You trust people easily—sometimes too easily. You don’t stress much, and you go with the flow.
Are You Lazy?
Maybe. You’re so relaxed that you might avoid putting in extra effort unless absolutely necessary. But hey, why work harder when you can work smarter?
3. The Yearner Position – The Indecisive Procrastinator
Sleeping on your side with both arms stretched out in front of you? That’s called the yearner position, and it says a lot about how you handle life’s choices.
Video : Your Sleeping Position Says All the Truth About You
What It Says About You:
You’re open-minded but also skeptical and cautious. You take your time making decisions—sometimes too much time. Once you decide, you stick to it no matter what.
Are You Lazy?
A little. Since you tend to overthink decisions, you sometimes delay tasks until the last minute. But once you commit to something, you see it through—even if it means pulling an all-nighter!
4. The Soldier Position – The Disciplined Overachiever
If you sleep flat on your back with arms straight at your sides, you embody the soldier position—a posture as structured as your mindset.
What It Says About You:
You’re serious, reserved, and disciplined. You hold yourself and others to high standards. You don’t like drama and prefer a structured lifestyle.
Are You Lazy?
Not at all! If anything, you’re the opposite of lazy. You probably wake up early, stick to routines, and believe in getting things done efficiently. But because of your strict nature, others might assume you’re too rigid to relax.
5. The Freefall Position – The Restless Risk-Taker
Do you sleep on your stomach with your arms around the pillow and head turned to the side? That’s called the freefall position, and it belongs to people who live life on their own terms.
What It Says About You:
You’re outgoing, adventurous, and bold. You hate criticism and prefer to be in control. You live in the moment but can be a little impulsive.
Are You Lazy?
Not at all! Freefall sleepers are energetic and spontaneous, always ready for the next big thing. However, since you value freedom so much, you might avoid responsibilities that feel restrictive.
6. The Starfish Position – The Laid-Back Helper
If you sleep on your back with your arms stretched above your head, you’re a starfish sleeper—a position that suggests you prioritize relationships over personal attention.
What It Says About You:
You’re a great listener and a loyal friend. You don’t like being the center of attention. You believe in helping others before helping yourself.
Are You Lazy?
Maybe. Starfish sleepers are laid-back and non-competitive, meaning they’re not always in a rush to achieve big things. However, their caring nature makes them hard workers when it comes to supporting others.
7. The Pillow Hugger – The Affectionate Daydreamer
If you hold a pillow tightly while sleeping, you’re a pillow hugger, which means comfort and emotional connection are important to you.
What It Says About You:
You cherish close relationships and need emotional support. You enjoy coziness and relaxation. You’re a warm, affectionate person who values loyalty.
Are You Lazy?
Yes and no. You might not have the most aggressive work ethic, but you’re not completely unmotivated either. Your drive depends on how emotionally connected you feel to what you’re doing.
Video : What Your Sleeping Position Says About You
8. The Stargazer Position – The Optimistic Dreamer
Do you sleep on your back with arms folded behind your head? If so, you’re a stargazer sleeper—a person with a relaxed, positive outlook on life.
What It Says About You:
You’re optimistic and carefree. You value friendships and deep conversations. You’re always looking for the silver lining in any situation.
Are You Lazy?
Yes, but in a good way! Stargazer sleepers don’t stress over minor details and prefer to go with the flow. You might procrastinate, but you always manage to get things done in your own time.
Conclusion: Does Your Sleeping Position Expose Your Laziness?
Your sleeping position can reveal interesting personality traits, including how hardworking or laid-back you are. While some positions suggest a disciplined and ambitious nature, others indicate a more relaxed and carefree attitude toward life.
But remember—sleeping habits don’t define you completely. Whether you’re a fetal-position overthinker, a log-sleeping socialite, or a freefall daredevil, your personality is a mix of many complex factors.
So, what’s your go-to sleeping position? Do you think it matches your personality? Let us know in the comments!
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