Help! Neighbor won’t leave me alone. Feel like prisoner in my own house!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

JaylaChandler wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time I step outside, my elderly neighbor wants to talk. She will wave me over to ask one question or another. It’s getting to the point I don’t even want to leave my house! She sits on her porch all day long. She’s also easily offended so I don’t want to do or say anything that will cause her to become vindictive; I have to live here!

Yesterday I went out to get the mail and she called me over to ask me about the sidewalks. This morning I went for a walk before I had to log on a work and she called me over to ask me if I heard a loud truck last night. The other day I was out doing some yard cleanup, fully involved in what I was doing with headphones, and she called me over to ask if I wanted to go through her books.

I try to pretend I don’t hear her or see her, but that’s not always easy, especially when she barricades me as soon as I step out the door. I will also say things like, “Ok, have to go cook/work/get a drink of water” but she just keeps talking!

Help!

Oh my God, what a familiar situation.

It was a similar experience, but your neighbor is just kind of pushy. I was annoyed at one point by this behavior of my neighbor and at first I tried to explain to her that I was an extrovert, and I just physically could not talk to someone for a long time, as it causes me moral and physical inconvenience.

But my neighbor continued to harass me anyway. After that, I said, "Please, I see that you are a kind woman, and I don't want to aggravate our friendly neighborhood, but I may not control myself at another moment, because communicating with people annoys me, so I warn you that I can be rude when they try to talk to me, even for example you and your desire to chat."

It didn't work anyway and I had to just ignore her existence...

Oooo, this is one of those AI bots!

+1. They keep appearing more and more on DCUM!

[Anonymous]

Two words: Fart. Machine.

https://www.amazon.com/Machine-Durable-Wireless-Controlled-Hilarious/dp/B0CD7D3ZSQ

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a lonely elderly person. She probably does not have great mobility and wants to be included in the community. This is not to excuse her behavior toward the other neighbor. I just think that wanting to be in contact with other people is very human and it is more difficult for older people. The invisibility of aging. The fact that she keeps talking once you have told her that you need to leave should not hold you hostage. Just be kind about your departure. But if you have a moment, you should also just talk to her for a few minutes. It is a kindness that takes a few minutes.

[Anonymous]

You have to learn how to gracefully excuse yourself from a conversation. You can wave and say hi chat if you want to chat if you don’t have time. It’s really OK to say you can’t talk long.

[Anonymous]

OP I had this situation. It was annoying, but she eventually died. You just have to be as nice as you can and firm when you need to skedaddle.

[Anonymous]

pretend you are on the phone taking a meeting at all times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She’s a lonely old lady. Talking to her neighbor.

I would hate it too which is why I live in acreage with a gated drive. You choose a city, you get annoying people around.

I chose to live in a neighborhood with large lots for similar reasons... unfortunately people like this don't let that stop them. I have one neighbor who is outside all day/looking out their window and literally runs outside to follow me and my children if we go for a walk and proceeds to walk with us every time. It is awful. We have way too many elderly neighbors home all day and I will certainly do my due diligence with our next house to try to avoid this.

OP, I totally understand and unfortunately don't have any advice. It's awful to have to look around before you even go to get your own mail so you don't get trapped for 15 minutes that you don't have to waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Easy peasy - every time she approaches you, ask her for money. Tell her you’re having trouble making ends meet and could really use some cash if she can spare any. Do this EVERY TIME she approaches you. Constantly ask about money.


Eventuality she’ll come to dread even seeing you, and will flee at the sight of you.


The asking for money thing works like a champ. I’ve used that tactic myself in a similar situation with an annoying coworker.

This is hilarious. The only problem is that overly involved neighbors like these will often take that news and spread it all over town. All your neighbors will think you are cash strapped.