To hate having to think of an excuse why I can't do my neighbours lawn every time I go out to do it.

[MsChievous]

I know this is lacking in neighbourly spirit, my elderly neighbour (80's) always expects me to do her lawn, I offered to do if for her when we moved in over a year ago because it was getting long, and now she just expects that I will do hers whenever I do mine.

She has three sons, and at least one grandson who stays with her a lot who is over 16, who could do it, and it's not like she doesn't have a lawn mower, but still expects me to use my tiny little thing

I have been doing this over a year now and I have suffered with depression in that time so even doing my own lawn was a struggle and was left until it was overgrown before I did something about it. most of the time hers was left until it had got so bad before I had to do it again, and if i didnt do it she would get a man to come around and cut it and complain about the price.

I even end up using my own electricity

[MsChievous]

Would it be so hard for her sons and or grandson to come once a week to do it, or whip the mower out whilst they are there, they could even take turns.

I have nobody to do my lawn when I don't feel up to it, and she is perfectly able to do other, heavier, more energetic things.
, so it's not like she can't do it

[JesuslovesDubrovnik]

whilst it is certainly not your job, i think you are looking on the darker side of an act that is wonderful. maybe for whatever reason she will not ask the other perfectly able people in her family becuase she is frightened that thye will not visit her again.

old people can be very vulnerable and you are doing something fabulous for someone.

well done you

[annh]

Don't do it! Next time she complains about the price of getting someone to do it, sympathise and then suggest that she offers her grandson a lesser amount of money to do it. If you feel she is really determined that you do it, then you can always explain that you have been unwell (without going into any details) and say that this is why your own lawn has been overgrown on occasion. Or you could sneak out and do yours while she is out?!

[expatinscotland]

I'd tell her, 'I'm sorry, but my depression is really causing me problems, and I won't be able to do your lawn anymore.'

[esselle]

Hey you never know, she may leave you a fortune in her will for the kindness you have shown her.

Cutting out her lazy sons who couldn't ever be bothered to come over and mow her lawn!

[ninedragons]

How big is the lawn?

I can see it would be a PITA if she's got something the size of Lord's and wants it mowed in those lovely stripes, but if it's 8 ft by 12 ft I'd be inclined to do it for the karma.

[SoupDragon]

Yes, it is lacking in neighbourly spirit and general niceness.