Thanks for reminding me of the importance of space.

The conditions for your communal room don't seem too bad, I wouldn't hesitate to use it more!

As my dear partner and I are thinking about our future living space, and continuously shell-shocked at the price of real-estate in this cruel but beautiful city, the thought of buying a small condo has crossed my mind. But one of my five core values is "conviviality" and I love to have people over. Lots of people. Many times a year. So the condo doesn't fit the the values list.

We have almost 1,000 sf of space right now and although our official eating space is very small (only 4 people can sit there, and one can't go anywhere unless the table is moved!!) we actually cramped eight grown-ups and a baby around a folding table by moving the furniture in the living room. Nobody was quite comfortable in their seat, but the company was wonderful and the food was great! At a stand-up & sit-around wine and cheese party this winter we had as many as 18 people over at one time, and could have had more. So we'll just keep renting (this place is also quite cheap for what we get so we can save lots) until we have the money to buy a place with as much room to entertain, or more!!