I want quiet

By O.M. Hillside · May 13, 2020 · 946 · 5
  1. There's electronics in every room, my computer is always humming. By habit, I tend to be listening to something with my headphones a lot. When I want to take them off and just have a quiet time doing something productive, there's ruckus in the other rooms. My house's walls are paper. My parents have the TV on ALL the time. And because they're old the volume is super loud because otherwise they can't hear. Kind of reminds me of that youth "rebel" slogan: "If the music's too loud, you're too old!" Surely, the older you are, the louder you have to listen to stuff because your ears have deteriorated, right?

    And any time they talk, I have to hear that. And the neighbors can be a little loud sometimes, but not so bad. Of course, one of my neighbors is in a bike club/gang. That was always so annoying how he'd rip that shit at least once a week. The engine is so fucking loud. Usually it's just annoying but every once and awhile when I'm in a really peaceful mood or I was focused on something and then that engine, which must reverberate throughout the entire damn block, starts revving and I'm jolted out of whatever pleasant reverie I was in. Noise pollution. Real thing. Hate it.

    Anyway, I really need to figure out a way to have a quiet environment. I would really like to just live in a really quiet place. I like music and movies, I like talking to people, sound has its place. The occasional trip to the city, observation of the bustle and hustle, can be intriguing. But, sometimes, I just want to not hear anything at all. Not even nature sounds. Silence.
    Malisky, Dogberry's Watch and Foxxx like this.

Comments

Sort Comments:

Sort Comments By

  1. jim onion
    Ever considered following in the footsteps of the pilgrim Joe Rogan and trying a sensory deprivation tank?
    jim onion, May 13, 2020
      O.M. Hillside likes this.
  2. Steve Rivers
    Two words - Ear plugs.
    (if you need silence for sleep)

    Three words for the daytime - Noise Cancelling Headphones.
    I cant hear anything else, and if I want music, I can have that too :)
    Steve Rivers, May 13, 2020
      O.M. Hillside likes this.
  3. Malisky
    Exact same problem! I grew up in an extremely loud and noisy environment and finding not just a quiet but also personal space was a struggle. At my old apartment, me and my sister shared a room. Our door had a plastic knob, which at some point I accidentally broke from the outside. At first I thought "What a bummer..." and right after I thought "... but hey..." People stopped bursting inside whenever they felt like it. Personal space somewhat achieved, but keeping them out doesn't mean you can keep their noise out too.

    Now, I live right across the kitchen which is the meeting place of all chaotic things and next to my grandmother's room who is almost deaf and in love with her transistor. I believe that since she can't hear for s... she uses this device to torture me. It's mostly white noise and two channels playing simultaneously on maximum volume. One might be greek oriental music and the other Slayer. At nights I sneak inside her room and shut it. Some mornings a week, around 7 or 8 I got my neighbor's leaf blower because he's a pervert and this machine sounds like it's working inside my room. There's a very narrow hall outside keeping us apart and my windows are not soundproof.

    So, what do I do except from getting a little crazier each and every day? Headphones (even without listening to anything). Music. Working on creative stuff in the wee hours. I believe that's a reason I like the dawn. It's the calm before the storm and it's so peaceful I can't get enough of it.

    Whenever I sleep at a friend's house I won't wake up unless someone wake me up. They live so quietly it always amazes me. I need to move out!
    Malisky, May 13, 2020
      Foxxx, O.M. Hillside and Steve Rivers like this.
  4. O.M. Hillside
    @Foxxx A sensory deprivation tank, now that's an interesting idea. I have tried a homemade bootleg version where I filled the bathtub with water, submerged my ears and threw a tshirt over my eyes. I experimented with it in different position like just over my eyes or over my whole face. It's actually kind of relaxing, but I imagine it pales in comparison to the real thing.
    O.M. Hillside, May 14, 2020
      Foxxx likes this.
  5. O.M. Hillside
    @Steve Rivers I have a supply of ear plugs for the occasional time where I feel like I'm gonna lose it. Never thought about headphones for that, will consider it. Thanks for the practical suggestions!
    O.M. Hillside, May 15, 2020
To make a comment simply sign up and become a member!
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice