Dealing with Nosey Neighbors
Apartment Complex LifeWelcome to Earth! Dealing with humanity is par for the course of being human and unfortunately, not all of those dealings are going to be pleasant or conducted in a way you would like. If it makes you feel any better, just remember that there are probably those out there who find you unpleasant to be around as well. But as long as you’re here and enjoying the sights of our pretty little planet, how about a few pointers on how to handle one particular type of person you may run into (and find yourself unable to get away from); the nosey neighbors.
What is Their Problem, Anyway?
Why are some people nosey neighbors? Well the reasons can run a full gamut of choices from their being overly safety-conscious, to just being plain old lonely people with nothing better to do than try to live life vicariously through their curtains and the lives of those around them. Sometimes these neighbors can be good (you certainly want to have a nosey neighbor on your side if a serial killer has been plaguing your community recently), and sometimes they can be downright infuriating, like when they casually mention they saw that gentleman caller leaving your house at 1:30 yesterday morning. What’s the best way to handle such people?
Get to Know Them
Your neighbor might just be curious about you and looking for a friend. You may not be interested in making a friendship with them and that’s fine, but you can take the edge off of their nosiness by having them over for dinner or brunch once or twice. Let them see the inside of their home, ask them lots of questions about themselves and learn what motivates them. Chances are you will start to get a clearer picture of why they are nosey the way they are.
Make their Nosiness Uncomfortable for them
The next time you see them peeking through their curtains, rather than turning away or pretending you don’t notice, turn and stare full-force at them with obvious exaggeration. Get your wide, unblinking Bambi-eyes out and turn them on to see what happens. Odds are they’ll jump back, feeling embarrassed. Do this a few times and most people will be generous or self-conscious enough to take the hint.
Or Go the Friendlier Route
As above, the next time you catch them staring at you or poking about give them an obvious smile and a wave. You might even ask them “Yes?” to see what they have to say. Odds are it won’t be much, and their discomfort at being called-out by you for staring will lead them to quit their intrusive activities.
Try to be polite at all times and remember that this planet can be a dangerous place, even for the unassuming neighbor. Be friendly, and choose to kill your enemies with kindness rather than malice and you’ll get along just fine.
