What is in a word? Words such as democracy, socialism, and communism carry a lot of contrasting meaning. Similarly, condominium complex or condominium community have very contrasting meanings. What do we live in - a complex or a community? Too often condominiums are referred to as complexes with the obvious connotations of living in something akin to a penal institution or military compound. We are not incarcerated or conscripted.

The "complex" attitude undermines what is generally considered to be a noble endeavour: to live in harmony and civility with ones’ neighbor. No matter where on chooses to live, there are are laws and norms that compel people to act and behave in a way that holds harmless other individuals. Consideraton of the other individual I is difficult when there are acres of land between residents. Ther is not a total abssence of law and norm, however. As we choose to live closer together, the possibility of intrusion into other individual’s space or the need to share the use of common properity becomes more rigorous in definition and execution (cooperation vs. enforcement. This does not mean condominium living is the absence of community but on the contrary it requires more community. So why do we call our community a complex?

May the suggestion be made that we call ourselves a community and as often as necessary, correct others’ use of the "complex" word. Perhaps we can begin to view our living experience in more accurate and constructive terms. Confidence in what we really are will allow us to be more of what we want to be.