Neighbours make our life a misery

[GraduateMum]

When our neighbours first moved in they were OK , we attended each others bbq's etc but four some reason unknown to me they have turned in to a complete nightmare. It started with the wife telling lies about us to gain sympathy , " I've got to move to get away from them etc." But now it is getting worse and they are telling people we are moving which we are not , we can't afford to stay , which is untrue and many more things. I think the route of the problem is envy. My husband has a better job, we both drive top of the range company cars, our child is at a top university, my career has been very successful and our style is understated , I will wear designer or primark if it suits me and the occasion. We don't conform to the local closed circle social scene as our friends are local, national and international. Other villagers who live in all sorts of housing are friends but my neighbours only mix with those they considered are their kind and can enhance their social standing. I wonder if the problem is that we mix with rich list and those who do manual work. Do they think us down market or are they annoyed that we're did not provide them with entry into our "well connected" circle. How can I stop the lies being spread as it is getting me down.

[Ladyfoxglove]

How did you find out about the lies GraduateMum?

You say that "they are telling people we are moving which we are not" - who told you? If it's one person, it may be them not your neighbour. If it's coming from several different sources then it does suggest that your neighbour is indeed spreading malicious gossip about you. The reason is why?

As with all gossip of this type, it's generally 'difference' or jealousy. From your post it looks as if it could be both.

Can you pin-point the turning point in your relationship with your neighbours?

[Fugghetaboutit]

This sounds like what my MIL says about her neighbours, but she has paranoid schizophrenia.