She bothers me each time I go outside.Even when I am cutting the grass,she comes over and wants to tell me about her latest bad date,etc.With 4 children,at times the only 'alone time' I get is when I am gardening,but lately I do it only when I see she has left.It's almost like she sits there by her window,and as soon as I step outside,she is right there.She is the same age as I am--40,and is divorced with 1 child (who lives with his dad.)Help!
2006-08-16 12:37:52 · 15 answers · asked by MaryBeth 7 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Tell her the truth. The next time she comes over tell her that your gardening time is your relaxing time. Let her know you enjoy the peace and quiet. If she keeps on talking tell her you aren't interested in the topic and go back to your work. Stay on the ground (I assume you are kneeling) and do not get up for her. Body language alone should send the message to a reasonable person.
But since she doesn' sound like a reasonable person, go to Plan B. Start talking about something you know will offend her (politics or religion topics are great for this) and piss her off enough that she won't come back. If that doesn't work, be even more direct and just tell her that you don't have anything in common and you don't like talking with her.
Family you have to put up with -- neighbors you can escape.
2006-08-16 12:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by JP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a neighbor just like this, she's even come to my door and asked if I would bring my cat outside to play with her cat. Your neighbor not take the hint, but you could try telling her firmly "I'm sorry, I don't have time to talk right now" or "I need to get this done before dinner, perhaps we could talk another time?" and then just going back to what you're doing. If you do this a few times, she may get the hint. If she doesn't, then just continue to ignore her because she is beyond help.
2006-08-16 19:45:45 · answer #2 · answered by Mother Bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had this same exact problem...this is rude but it works so well! I started wearing my ipod outside and when my neighbor started coming over I pretended not to hear her. When she gets your attention just look really flustered and say "Oh hi! It is so nice to see you, I wish I could talk but I am studying". When she questions you, tell her you are learning Spanish, Russian, Chinese whatever and you are listening to your instructor. Let her know you have set this goal for yourself and you must get back to work. She will give up on you in time.
I know this isn't honest but in order to maintain a "good" neighbor relationship, I think a white lie is appropriate.
2006-08-16 19:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs. Mad Maddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always wear ear plugs when your outside. Pretend you can't hear her. Then if she catches you off guard and steps in front of you. Say oh darn I really need to take a crap. You know what its like I might not even make it to the bathroom. Hold your yourself as you back into the house. If she comes back just keep repeating the charade. Maybe throw in "Man I hope whatever I have isn't contagious." My *** is really getting sore.
2006-08-16 19:47:41 · answer #4 · answered by sponggie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you at least get along with her otherwise?
If you do, why don't you set up some time when you can sit down with her and have a coffee?
When she comes out just say something like:
"Hi, sorry, it's not that I don't want to spend time with you, but right now is just not a good time. How about you come over for coffee later?"
2006-08-16 19:47:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you offer to pray with her about her situations? Tell her she can lead the prayer since she has the inside information on what's going on. Either she will stop coming and bothering you because that's not what she is looking for or she will learn to give her cares to God.
2006-08-16 19:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lets call it now!
It's a shame everyone only gets 1 side of the story but I just don't care anymore...No calling or searching....OK?
2006-08-16 19:55:43 · answer #7 · answered by msongwriter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strap a dozen highway flares to your body and go hand her a rose.....and don't forget the glazed over look in your eyes.
2006-08-16 19:50:34 · answer #8 · answered by nothing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to use this but it fits so well...
Good fences make good neighbors !!!
A 6 foot high privacy fence will help immensely !
:o)
2006-08-16 21:41:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wear giant headphones.
If that doesn't work, tell her politely that you are in a hurry and need to get your stuff done.
2006-08-16 19:45:33 · answer #10 · answered by Kammi S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋