“I’d rather have the thieves than the neighbors—the thieves don't impose. Thieves just want your things; neighbors want your time”

Simplified Meaning:

Sometimes, dealing with thieves can be easier than dealing with neighbors. Thieves usually want to take your possessions, but they don’t take up your personal time or ask for your attention. Neighbors, on the other hand, often want to talk, ask for favors, or involve you in their lives, which can be very demanding and time-consuming. Imagine you have a busy work schedule and come home tired every day. A thief might steal your TV or bike, which is a one-time loss. However, a neighbor might come over every evening to chat or ask for help, and that constantly takes away your time and energy. While losing items to a thief can be frustrating, losing your time repeatedly to neighbors might feel even more exhausting. To apply this idea, it’s important to set boundaries. You should protect your belongings but also learn to politely tell neighbors when you need personal time and can’t always be available. This way, you can manage both your possessions and your personal time effectively.