I’m sorry you don’t appreciate thoughtful neighbors. I think it’s odd that you find their kindness “embarrassing,” but I guess since you need tips to “tolerate” it, go with earphones and sunglasses. The other option is to just wear a sign that says “Ignore me. I don’t want your attention.”

Anonymous wrote:Please, everyone, let’s all stop acknowledging other people and for the love of God don’t be so entitled and selfish as to actually try to SPEAK to anyone.

Politeness doesn't mean being enslaved to forced interactions. Politeness can mean finding a way to stop the interactions while preserving everyone's dignity.

Please, everyone, let’s all stop acknowledging other people and for the love of God don’t be so entitled and selfish as to actually try to SPEAK to anyone.

Headphones and dark shades. Pretend to not hear or see them.

Welcome to the world of the permanently disabled. After a lifetime of having people I don't know comment on my walking, I have gone from feeling obliged to respond with smiles to make them not feel uncomfortable around me to simply saying something like, "You too!" or "same to you!" which often confuses them. Or else I just don't respond.

And yes, of course non-disabled people are nervous around disability or are trying to be nice, but if you don't know exactly what someone is going through, there is no need to comment on how they ambulate through this world. Especially if you are in danger of sounding patronizing. Just give a smile and realize how tired someone with a disability or who is recovering might be of repeatedly hearing whatever it is you want to say to them about their body, and instead just say a simple "hello" or "what a beautiful day."

OP, wearing headphones sounds fine if you don't mind not being able to hear birds sing or cars drive by. Otherwise, I'd just act as though you are lost in your thoughts and neither be rude nor feel obliged to respond.

Anonymous wrote:I had surgery recently and am required to walk everyday. I started just doing a couple driveway lap with a walker, and I’m now doing a couple blocks with a cane. I’m feeling great, but one thing is driving me nuts and I’m sure I’m off base: I can’t shake my neighbors. They always seem to be outside in their yards, or suddenly appear for their mail, are pulling into their driveway, etc, and they barrage me with comments like, “Looking good, neighbor!” or, “You’re moving faster, neighbor! etc. Since I walk slow, the just keep commenting the whole time. It’s embarrassing. Telling them to shut up seems rude, but I want to. Any advice on tolerating this?

I can’t get drive or I’d go to a park or something. I can’t walk in my backyard because it’s too unstable. Plus, I like being outside, so I don’t want to put miles inside the house.

They are trying to be friendly and show that they actually give a damn about you. Though, I wonder why.

Anonymous wrote:So your neighbors are too friendly and too supportive? That might be a DCUM first.

I've fantastic neighbors. So blessed. I too try to go out of my way to be a good neighbor as well.

A thumbs up with a distracted smile while wearing headphones will cut down on the comments. Also, DON'T stop moving.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well done for taking your post surgical exercise. I suspect they are annoying you more than they normally would because you're in recovery, possibly medicated and rightfully f'd off with it all.

I have no suggestions for handling your neighbors other than to remain civil.

Keep going, you'll be stronger every day.

You don't have to right to tell OP that she is delusional. If she doesn't want to discuss her injuries with neighbors (and yes neighbors' actions force a interaction) she can strategize a non-rude way to stop it.

They aren't "discussing" her injury. According to her examples, they are making statements that she is doing well. She doesn't have to opine on her physical health, she can just wave. Also, she asked for advice so we are allowed to call her out if she is being unreasonable.

Anonymous wrote:I had surgery recently and am required to walk everyday. I started just doing a couple driveway lap with a walker, and I’m now doing a couple blocks with a cane. I’m feeling great, but one thing is driving me nuts and I’m sure I’m off base: I can’t shake my neighbors. They always seem to be outside in their yards, or suddenly appear for their mail, are pulling into their driveway, etc, and they barrage me with comments like, “Looking good, neighbor!” or, “You’re moving faster, neighbor! etc. Since I walk slow, the just keep commenting the whole time. It’s embarrassing. Telling them to shut up seems rude, but I want to. Any advice on tolerating this?

I can’t get drive or I’d go to a park or something. I can’t walk in my backyard because it’s too unstable. Plus, I like being outside, so I don’t want to put miles inside the house.

Can’t you just exercise with a rowing machine in your driveway like everybody else does?

Wear ear buds and just smile or say thanks.

You are grumpy.

Anonymous wrote:Advice? Yes. Reach behind you and pull that stick out of your a$$

AMEN
You can’t tell other people to shut up.

I loved it when my neighbors encouraged me on my post-surgery walks. I thought it was cute.
But if you don't like it, just smile and nod or flash the thumbs up like someone suggested.

Anonymous wrote:Obvious headphones and pointing gesture at head. Or earbuds and loud talking like you are on the phone with a family member the whole time.

Please don't engage/over explain yourself like a weirdo. Let your neighbours assume normalcy reigns.

Oh, and I'm not talking to the vagina PP. I think that is an awesome response and I might just whip something like that out when I have had too much of other humans. Blame the ol' vagina. It's kind of win-win and the story can't help but spread itself to other neighbours which amplifies the potential of being blessedly ignored. Though I'd probably want to extend the benefits by healing up, then forcing my husband to start limping around so he could then blame his genitals and REALLY make everyone wonder about us. Pretty great- but hope you are feeling MUCH better.

Obvious headphones and pointing gesture at head. Or earbuds and loud talking like you are on the phone with a family member the whole time.

Please don't engage/over explain yourself like a weirdo. Let your neighbours assume normalcy reigns.