My neighbor Joe and I share a mailslot. Two months ago, there was a letter for Mr. X in the mail. I don't know a Mr. X, so I put the mail in Joe's box. I did this for about a month. After a month, if Joe got home first, he would put Mr. X's mail in my box. When he did this, I realized that Mr. X did not live in our condo and the mail should probably just go in the trash.
So, the trend has been: If Joe comes home first, he puts Mr. X's mail in my box and I throw it away. When I come home first, I put Mr. X's mail in Joe's box, and he throws it away. Until this Saturday. I got the mail first, so I put it in Joe's box. When I saw my mailbox again that day, Joe had put Mr. X's mail in my box. I put it back in Joe's box- being playful. Later, Mr. X's mail was in my box with a note "do not put this in mail box." I don't want a war with Joe, but I won't be bullied either. Why is it ok for him to put Mr. X's mail in my box, but I can't? I want to ignore him. Its just mail. Advice?
2007-10-28 14:27:04 · 11 answers · asked by Kara 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
to clarify, Mr X has never occupied my or Joes condo. I moved in when the condo was new. And the letters are from bill collectors. Never personal mail. It seems that he gave the address falsely. The envelopes dont have the return address stamp required for Returm To Sender mail in my state..
2007-10-28 15:35:08 · update #1
I would advise the post office that mr X doesn't live there, or return to sender all applicable mail. I'd also talk to Joe about doing the same- it shouldn't all be your responsibility. Sooner or later, you'll stop getting Mr. X's mail in the first place.
2007-10-28 14:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
In Joe's mind, you were the one who started this "game" by first putting "x" mail in his slot. Even if your original intentions were good , the fact that you now know that "x" doesn't live at Joe's shows you are just concerned about "winning " and are being petty. Joe isn't being the bully here!
Like the other's said, write "not at this address" and let the carrier handle it.
And maybe a note or a funny token gift to Joe, might even start a cool friendship!
2014-08-07 22:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by Tamara 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This could be avoided if you both acted like adults and took a few minutes to mark the mail 'Return To Sender' and drop it into the mail box on your way to work one morning.
After a couple of months, the mail will stop coming, as computerised mailing services begin to remove the name from their lists.
At the moment, everyone who is used to sending mail to Mr X at your address still thinks he lives there, so the mail will keep coming, and will probably get worse at Christmas, and other peak times.
As for Joe, I think I would drop him a note saying "It's not my mail, either! Please return to sender, not to my box, thanks".
That should be the end of the matter.
Cheers :-)
2007-10-28 21:59:06 · answer #3 · answered by thing55000 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is seriously a federal offense to throw someones mail away. The correct way to handle this is to write, "No one by that name lives at this address", on the envelope and put it in the outgoing mail slot. After doing this a few times the mailman will not deliver Mr. X's mail to you. Also, by handling it this way the mail will be returned to the sender.
2007-10-28 21:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. Mad Maddy 4 · 8⤊ 0⤋
How about doing what your supposed to do in that situation instead of doing this childish "it's yours, no it's yours" game. Write "not at this address" on the envelope and leave it for the mailman. I'm sure that "Mr. X" will appreciate getting his mail instead of you throwing it away, just as you would appreciate it if someone did that for you.
You may also want to talk to the Post Office and maybe leave a note for your mailman letting them know that "Mr. X" doesn't live there.
2007-10-28 21:40:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
First of all you should never throw away mail that isn't addressed to you ... it's a federal crime... give it to the mail carrier that will solve all your problems with Joe... tell him that you took care of Mr X's mail problems and we can now return to cordial mail-slot sharing.
2007-10-28 21:44:42 · answer #6 · answered by CarynB 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Did you know it is illegal to tamper with another person's mail. If I am correct this includes throwing it away. You need to contact the post office and possibly fill out a form to include only those who receive mail at your box.
2007-10-28 22:27:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You both need to grow up. This is how my 6 year old nephew behaves. You should write on the mail "not at this address" and return it to the post office. This man probably needs this mail that you are throwing out.
2007-10-28 21:49:22 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well you both need to stop throwing it away. Put it in the post office drop box stating "Not at this address" in big letters (do not cover up the address).
2007-10-29 03:38:50 · answer #9 · answered by Terri 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I Suggest you make a deal with him. On the next piece of mail you get addressed to Mr. X, Write a brief note on it saying "I'll stop putting Mr. X's mail in your box if you stop putting it in mine. Deal Friend?"
It may stop a silly fued.
2007-10-28 21:36:27 · answer #10 · answered by Deborah S 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋