Anyone who lives in a modern apartment building, one with a large glass front in the living room and floor-to-ceiling windows, knows that life in it is sometimes the same as that of zoo animals in a glass cage.

This is not for everyone, which is why some people lower the external blinds as far as they will go, draw the curtains and hide in the dark.

But what bothers some has a special attraction for others: They like to watch.

Anne-Christin Sievers

Editor in business.

  • Follow I follow

That was the case for Ms. R., who was slowly getting a knack for the monotony of everyday life in the pandemic in the middle of the lockdown at home with a toddler. Luckily Lena lived in the house opposite with her three cats. When mother and daughter sat at dinner, they watched, as Casimir, as they had called the tabby, and his companions jumped over the dining table, sofa and cat tree.

But watching Lena and her boyfriend also passed the time and gave rise to speculation: Lena was definitely studying to become a teacher, she had such a lovely charisma, said Ms. R. She held her boyfriend, a blond giant with pulled back hair, despite his casual demeanor in sweatpants and hoodie more for a law student. Was that a connection for life? And how could the young couple afford such an apartment, including the exorbitant terrace that they had equipped with a spacious chill lounge, huge dining table, hanging chair and professional grill, as in the furnishings catalog? Was Lena perhaps an influencer or a fashion blogger after all? After all, she appeared on the terrace almost every day in a new outfit as soon as the first ray of sunshine attracted her,tossed back her brunette mane and draped herself on the outdoor sofa for selfies.

Participation in the life of others

Sometimes a friend came over to cook, more rarely there was a couple's evening, but mostly Lena's boyfriend and up to six (!) Mates sat in the living room and played Playstation, stood at the grill with beer and turned the music up loud.

And Ms. R.'s indignation about the Corona parties was mixed with a secret joy that at least a few had fun on behalf of everyone - and that she was able to participate, perhaps because her own life had become a little empty.

It reassured her that the others were there, and she felt a little less alone.

Yesterday Ms. R. met Lena in the underground car park: “Bye, we're moving out,” said the young neighbor. "Oh no," thought Ms. R. "All the best," she said, and although they didn't even know each other, Ms. R. was sad. But soon a moving van stopped in front of the house, boxes were unpacked, new neighbors moved in - without curtains. Ms. R's mood brightened. "Well, there you have something to watch again," Mrs. W. called to her from the neighboring balcony. Caught!