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Annoying Neighbor- WWYD?
Last year, new neighbors moved in. Nice couple, our age- 30's. The problem is this: every time DH goes outside to work in the yard, clear off snow from the car, etc. it's as if the neighbor is waiting in the window for him.
The neighbor chats up DH and seeking tips and advice about lawn care, home renovations, you name it. The guy loves to talk. He's harmless, but DH has two jobs and often uses his "yard time" as a stress release, so he enjoys this time to HIMSELF. In addition, the longer DH spends outside, the longer the neighbor does also, at which time the neighbor sparks up multiple questions and conversations, causing multiple annoying interruptions for DH. Many times DH just gives up, after being interrupted so many times, and abandons the yardwork all together.
I think DH should merely quit being so receptive, but he says even being "unfriendly" doesn't stop this neighbor. How to handle this annoyance?
Re: Annoying Neighbor- WWYD?
Yikes--I would really hate that.
This is a tough one. What about if your H wears headphones (big, obvious ones) as a decoy, or actually listens to music and ignores the neighbor? Then if it comes up later, he can claim that he just didn't hear him and was so involved in what he was doing that he didn't see him.
This neighbor sounds so obnoxious though that he might still come up to him. In that case, your H could say he really needs to listen to the downloaded radio program or language learning recording or whatever and doesn't have time to talk.
He could wear headphones, like the others' said. Or he could just say, Hey Dude, sorry, can't chat. I've got to get this stuff done. Talk to you some other time!
And then just walk away. And don't engage him after that. If he doesn't stop mowing the grass the guy can't talk to him!
I have the same issue with our elderly neighbor, she springs out her back door if I don't get to the car fast enough.
We're saving up for a privacy fence.
oh jeez - I had an elderly neighbor like that. I'd be outside in the backyard and she'd see me and come into my yard to chat. I'd be so in the zone with what I was doing that it would scare the socks off of me every time. I did finally just say "I really need to get this stuff done Judy - I work 2 jobs so my freetime is limited. Can I stop over for a chat next week sometime?"
My neighbor was very lonely and I think she thought I was a good "safe" person to talk to about all her various health ailments and stuff. It was sorta sad actually. She eventually went to assisted living
This is exactly why my husband watches until the neighbor's car pulls away before doing yard work. He even coined the phrase "ninja mulching" for his stealthiness.
If we get trapped, I tend to be the one making chit chat for a few minutes. Then I say, "well, I better get back to work [insert excuse like before it gets too hot/while I have the energy/so I don't yawn in your face from your boring stories]."
Bahahaha! Ninja Mulching is awesome!
Landon & Porter
1-10-07 & 5-11-11