Does anyone know what to do with a nosey neighbor?

Question

Every time I leave the house she appears with her dog,and says where you off to? I dont want to be rude but its getting on my nerves

Answer 1

That's a tough one. Unless you plan to move anytime soon, you're stuck with your neighbour's nosy character. I can empatize with your situation. My retired neighbours have the uncanny ability to appear on the driveway or on the porch whenever I've got to get out with my kids.

I realize it's an inconvience to you, but I remind myself each time - they are probably just lonely, maybe one day I'll feel the same way too. And instead of making our relationship a strained one, instead of waiting for them to ask me "where I'm off to" I greet them first with a quick but friendly hello and then end off with "See you soon... it's a busy day I'm off". In essence I've been polite to them and at the same time kept my affairs private.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I used to have a neighbour like that. She was quite a friendly old lady. However, I never really got to know her or which of the flats she actually lived in. I found it rather different, and quite nice compared to when I lived in London for 2 years and met two people once each in all of the two flats I lived in.

Neighbours can either keep themselves to themselves or they can be inquisitive.

So long as it does not go any further than a quick chat, then you are playing the game. If you start being inappropriate, she might back off. For example if you became overly familiar, and chatted for longer than you usually did.

Perhaps you could invite her out for a drink to the local pub the next time she asks?

Answer 3

I've got a neighbour like that over the road, she nosey's at everything but didn't notice my daughter's bike being stolen. I have waved at her and her hubby and let on to them. They just stare and I find it really rude as they look directly into my house all the time. the other day someone came to my house to pick something up I thought she was going to break her neck looking and I lost it and gave her a very long two fingered salute. It made me feel a lot better.

Answer 4

I take a different view in that it is very handy to have a nosey neighbour. After all, when you are out, she is going to be peering out of her windows at anyone who comes up to your door or who is in your garden, therefore she is quite a valuable asset to have. You could get her involved in setting up a local Neighbourhood Watch. I know most people here won't agree with me but for the small hassle of being polite every day you get the benefit of your own 'security guard' and I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to ring the police if she thought someone was intruding on your property.

Answer 5

Next time she asks tell her you are going to the doctor to make an appintment for a colonoscopy because you are finding blood in your poo and you have pustules on your anus and really want it looked after and then start going on and on about your other health problems make them up and then she will be sorry she even asked and probably never ask you again.

Answer 6

Just answer her with "I'd love to chat, but I'm running late", and just wave bye to her. With that response, she won't know where you're going, but get the hint that you can't talk.

Sometimes having a nosy neighbor can work to your advantage. Since she knows when you leave your house, I'm sure she watches your house from time to time. She'll be a good "neighborhood watch" person. I have a neighbor who stands outside looking for someone to talk to. It gets annoying when I'm trying to hurry, but when she sees someone who isn't from the neighborhood, she checks them out to find out what they're doing.

Answer 7

Ask your neighbor- How is it that you just happen to be leaving your house with your dog everytime I leave my house- Than say to her we are going to have to stop meeting like this! Say to her I only ask this question in love.

Answer 8

Tell her interesting destinations. I'd include Porton Down Infectious Diseases research centre, BBC Broadcasting House, and Harrods!

Be very polite, but on no account elaborate once you have told her the destination...

Answer 9

Give her something to talk about - ie 6 men to a party for the night.........she will then spend all her time telling all her other neighbours, with a bit of luck, and leave you alone !!

Answer 10

Just say you're going out. Then walk away and if she enquires again, just say "out." If she's still persistent, tell her that you appreciate her concern, but where you go is not her concern. Tell her that you enjoy being neighbors, but you could enjoy her more without her constant inquiries. If you have a garage, park your car there and leave through your garage.