How do I get my neighbors to stop asking for food?

Question

They are constantly knocking on the door for stuff: sugar, eggs, butter, beer. We have told them no a couple of times but they dont seem to get the hint. We dont want to be rude either since we have to live next to them.

Answer 1

if they can't seem to get the point, start doing the same to them. Maybe THEN they'll get the picture.

Answer 2

Every time they come over, say no, if you need it, the grocery store is down the road...or you can start charging them a premium for the groceries and the convinience of only having to walk to your door...

$15 for a cup of sugar
$8 for an egg ($9 if its the super yummy dark yokes eggs)
$56.50 for a single beer

etc...

Then, if they don't get the hint, just up front tell them, I'm not a store, and I'm not a charity...go buy your own

Answer 3

This happened to us before...you have to just keep saying no or they will take advantage of you over and over again. At first I was happy to help out because I thought it was a once in awhile thing. Then it started to get ridiculous.....2-3 times a week they were knocking on the door. It was other stuff besides food too. Toilet paper, diapers for their kid, etc etc.

Once I made a joke, like "I am going to have to start charging you guys for all this stuff I keep giving you...ha ha." They seemed annoyed but apparently they didn't care. The last time they came over to borrow something, I said "ya know, we just ran out but if you hurry you can make it to the store before it closes."

Answer 4

Start knocking on their door to borrow food! Don't answer yours when they come begging. Sugar, eggs and butter are staple foods that everyone should have in the house. Have they not heard of that place called the grocery store?

Answer 5

dont answer the door when they knock, tell them the store is down the block ur not 7/11 so its rude for them to keep asking. i could see asking for an egg but beer?? thats out of line.

Answer 6

Be consist ant, do not give any more at this time. Look up numbers to the closest Food Pantry, and hand them the slip of paper when they come to the door. It might take a couple of times, but eventually they will go where it is more productive for them. If you need something to say, tell them this is where you contribute, not individualy, then do so.

Answer 7

I would think the most simple way is to just say, " Sorry I just ran out or sorry we don't have any." My logic, they will stop if they realize that you "never" have any thing. Personally I think its ok out of the blue you ran out of something like a couple of eggs, but to ask for beer, come on.

Answer 8

When they ask, just say you are out of whatever it is. It may take a while, but it should work. I can understand eggs, sugar, and butter. I've been making something and have run out, but needing beer makes them sound like freeloaders.

Answer 9

When you hear door bell , look out and see who it is.. if u have peep hole... and just ignore them. If they ask why u dont answer give an excuse.. I cant believe people doing that.. asking for food all the time from neighbors.. and espically beer...

Answer 10

Try reverse psychology. When they knock again for say sugar, tell them "no, but do you have any coffee?"

They can either: say no, be a little surprised or continue to ask for things. Answer always with no, but do you have ----? See if it helps. Just a suggestion.

Answer 11

I wouldn't worry about being rude, I think they are already being rude. Asking for beer is really over the top! I would just say "NO", tell them that you just have enough for yourself and can't spare any.