Nosy neighbors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ambulance at house - happened several times with DC with chronic illness - neighbors stand on the sidewalk and stare. Maybe they’ll catch my eye and ask if everyone’s ok - how to answer- I usually mutter we’re ok. Are they seriously concerned that someone has died? No we are not ok because an ambulance is here and it’s none of your business.

Neighbors will always be curious about ambulances or police activity. When my uncle died, my dad talked to his neighbors to let them know why the ambulance was there. The neighbors sent flowers and offered assistance. Most people have good intentions.

Like when I moved in, my neighbors watched everything from over the fence. They wanted to make sure I didn't get hurt.

[Anonymous]

PP and same neighbor who asked what we bought that came in such a big box (can’t remember now probably something random like a dishwasher) was a gem - he kept an eye out and noticed everything - called me one day to say that our front door had blown open (used to happen when it was unlocked) in a windstorm- he secured the house for us. We also swapped keys for emergency lockouts.

DH used to travel often when I’d be home with 3DC - this kindly neighbor (grandfather) was so reassuring - loved to remind me that he was just steps away and was here to help and never hesitate to call. He sat in our kitchen one morning when I didn’t want to wake our newborn just to get my big kids to the bus stops

[Anonymous]

My mom has insomnia and sometimes goes into the guest bedroom in the middle of the night to read so that she doesn't wake my dad. Their guest room window faces her neighbor's window.

One morning he told my mom that he saw the guest bedroom light on the previous night and asked if my parents were having marital problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom has insomnia and sometimes goes into the guest bedroom in the middle of the night to read so that she doesn't wake my dad. Their guest room window faces her neighbor's window.

One morning he told my mom that he saw the guest bedroom light on the previous night and asked if my parents were having marital problems.

Hitting on your mom??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ambulance at house - happened several times with DC with chronic illness - neighbors stand on the sidewalk and stare. Maybe they’ll catch my eye and ask if everyone’s ok - how to answer- I usually mutter we’re ok. Are they seriously concerned that someone has died? No we are not ok because an ambulance is here and it’s none of your business.

I'm sorry for your DC's health struggles.

I'm also wrestling with how to act in this situation. Asking feels prying. Not saying anything feels cold.

‘Mary Jane, I’m so sorry, anyway we can help, do you need us to lock up, walk the dog, drive one of you to the hospital.’

[Anonymous]

Our listserv lights up if an unusual car is parked on the street. “Whose Toyota is parked in front of 471? It’s been there for 3 hours!”

Then twelve people reply, saying they don’t know who that Toyota belongs to. The thirteenth will say it’s their niece’s car, then will receive a reply-all gracious thanks from the OP, then number thirteen will reply again when they realize it’s not actually their niece’s Toyota because their niece is at class today and the niece’s car is a darker shade of blue.

So now some neighbors will email the listserv preemptively: “My friend Larla, VA plate 763 AFR, will be parked at my house today.”

It’s ridiculous and yet I read it all.

[Anonymous]

This is what a nosy neighbor looks like:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1241063.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our listserv lights up if an unusual car is parked on the street. “Whose Toyota is parked in front of 471? It’s been there for 3 hours!”

Then twelve people reply, saying they don’t know who that Toyota belongs to. The thirteenth will say it’s their niece’s car, then will receive a reply-all gracious thanks from the OP, then number thirteen will reply again when they realize it’s not actually their niece’s Toyota because their niece is at class today and the niece’s car is a darker shade of blue.

So now some neighbors will email the listserv preemptively: “My friend Larla, VA plate 763 AFR, will be parked at my house today.”

It’s ridiculous and yet I read it all.

Yea, Larla has entered into this thread! Yep, some neighborhood lists are very VERY active like you described.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ambulance at house - happened several times with DC with chronic illness - neighbors stand on the sidewalk and stare. Maybe they’ll catch my eye and ask if everyone’s ok - how to answer- I usually mutter we’re ok. Are they seriously concerned that someone has died? No we are not ok because an ambulance is here and it’s none of your business.

I'm sorry for your DC's health struggles.

I'm also wrestling with how to act in this situation. Asking feels prying. Not saying anything feels cold.

+1. Heck, if an ambulance came to my neighbor’s house, of course I am coming out to see if they’re ok. Maybe they need someone to keep the kids if the adults are going to hospital. He should’ve asked if he can be of help, but are you ok is a variation of that.

[Anonymous]

Basically someone who seems to know by heart what time you leave for work as well as what time you return.

Also one who can describe fully all your visitors too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Neighbors bringing their dogs on trash day to have their sniffari around your garbage bins.

What?
Your bins are in the street, right in the walking path. The dog smells everything in his path.
You protest too much? What's in your bins?

[Anonymous]

I’ve lived in my neighborhood since 2010. I don’t have nosy neighbors thank goodness.
Occasionally we’ll chat outside and catch up. My ne t door neighbor will see me throwing a ball for the dog and will come chat over the fence. It’s fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve lived in my neighborhood since 2010. I don’t have nosy neighbors thank goodness.
Occasionally we’ll chat outside and catch up. My ne t door neighbor will see me throwing a ball for the dog and will come chat over the fence. It’s fine.

That's really very interesting. Please tell more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP and same neighbor who asked what we bought that came in such a big box (can’t remember now probably something random like a dishwasher) was a gem - he kept an eye out and noticed everything - called me one day to say that our front door had blown open (used to happen when it was unlocked) in a windstorm- he secured the house for us. We also swapped keys for emergency lockouts.

DH used to travel often when I’d be home with 3DC - this kindly neighbor (grandfather) was so reassuring - loved to remind me that he was just steps away and was here to help and never hesitate to call. He sat in our kitchen one morning when I didn’t want to wake our newborn just to get my big kids to the bus stops

The old geezer was probably trying to get into your britches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Neighbors bringing their dogs on trash day to have their sniffari around your garbage bins.

What?
Your bins are in the street, right in the walking path. The dog smells everything in his path.
You protest too much? What's in your bins?

Only on trash days?? Hmmm....
Those neighbors are terrible anyeay don't even live on same block. The trash collectors often have to wait for those damn dogs to finish their walk to pass by a narrow street. will continue complaints in pets thread about nosy dogs.