Irene doesn't really ask for much nor does she expect it. She just goes with the flow of life. 

Working an overbearing job? Sure, many others do and it pays the bills. 

Having that one constant friend that makes you want to pull your hair out? Well, does Joy fit that criteria perfectly. 

Irene is content enough with her life that she doesn't venture far for much more than what she's got. Doesn't question things unless they affect her in any direct way. In other words, Irene keeps to herself and likes it that way.

But when Joy tells her about her new neighbour, maybe she shouldn't have just brushed it off as boring, useless gossip, as many Joy tells her is. 

Apartment Room 203 is right across from hers, and one she'll become frequent with and a staple in the mundane routine of her life. 

Or alternatively, 

Irene leaves her apartment for work just in time to catch the ends of blonde before the door across from her own closes, and peaks out her door after getting ready for bed to see those same blonde ends flutter around the corner. 

Time seems to be what keeps them apart in what Joy calls the modern day Romeo and Juliet.