Dealing with Nosey Neighbors
Coffey Talk, with Relationship Expert Lissa Coffey
“Well here is another neighbor problem. What do you do with a neighbor who is just too much into your business? I mean they insist you get to know each other. Invites you to lunch, phone calls everyday, showing up at your front door unannounced. Peeking in your windows if you don't answer the door or phone. Asking personal questions about you during lunch like, "do you have piercings or tattoos?" Just general stuff that makes you dodge this type of person when you see them. It is too much. 
How can you get a nice message across that you think they are great, but I don't want to be buddies, just neighbors who wave in passing? This is so distressing I want to move and we just moved here, spending our life savings on our home.
I am so sad this neighborhood didn't turn out to be an older generation with kids in college like me. There are tons of little kids screaming, bouncing basketballs on the concrete until 1AM right by our bedroom window, music by the parents blasting across the neighborhood, playing football in our yard without permission, etc. If you can figure out how not to hurt very nice people then you are the queen of solving problems.”
Dear Dealing with Nosey Neighbors,
With the one neighbor who wants to be buddies, be polite, but decline any further lunch invitations - just say that you're too busy, that should be message enough. Regarding late night basketball games: do you have a home owner's association? There are usually neighborhood rules about these kinds of things. Generally, it's a 10 pm curfew on noise, 11 pm on the weekends. See if there is some authority in the neighborhood that can enforce this, that way you're not the "bad guy." You can also build a fence around your yard if you don't want people coming in. They say good fences make good neighbors. If you crave your privacy, this may be a less expensive solution than moving. And remember, kids grow up. They'll be off to college before you know it.
Love,
~ Lissa
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