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AIBU?

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Aibu to feel jealous of my neighbour

284 replies

dgs21 · 10/05/2026 11:46

We’re both single parents, she has 2 children aged 12 and 2. I have an 8yo and one on the way.

We’ve both lived in our houses for the same amount of time around 8 years so I know her quite well. I work 4 days a week until 8pm plus over time, I do a course alongside my job as I work in pharmacy and have to complete a 3 year course so I can be a qualified dispenser and hoping to go to uni next year. I’m working really hard and don’t seem to have any time or money to keep my house, garden and even myself in check as I’m always working and paying bills/food/driving lessons/daughter etc. I earn around £900 a month plus £200 UC. My 8yo is being assessed for autism and ADHD but I feel like I shouldn’t apply for PIP until she’s officially diagnosed as she’s not too high on the spectrum.

my next door neighbour hasn’t worked a day since I’ve known her, she told me a few years ago it’s because she “coughs too much”, she is constantly smoking weed. She receives over £1,000 a month for he 12yo because he is mildly autistic but undiagnosed atm and told me she actually exaggerated his symptoms to get more money, plus the other benefits she gets. She gets around £2,000 a month in total. Since she has started receiving the PIP for her son, she has covered herself in tattoos, her front and back garden has transformed and is full of flowers which she has said she spent £300 at home bargains last week, she gambles on gambling apps and has spent over £100 in one day, and just in general spends allot of money on herself and her house and has all day everyday to do this.

(forgot to mention I receive housing benefit too based on my income each month)

ABIU to be feeling jealous, we’ve got along quite well the past few years but am now starting to resent her, I’m even thinking of moving house so I don’t have to see her everyday

OP posts:
CinderellaGotOld · 10/05/2026 11:58

Agree - there is nothing to be jealous of. It’s the unfairness of it all you are probably feeling and I would distance myself from someone like that.

Riapia · 10/05/2026 11:58

Your neighbour is a strange person for you to be jealous of.
You are working hard to provide a better life for your family, she seems to want the easy way out.
You have completely different values.

Legolaslady · 10/05/2026 11:58

The thing with people on benefits through their children though they are trapped in the system.
She will never better herself.. She cannot get promoted or apply for something better.
Eventually her child will leave home

You are just in a difficult time right now but your life is on an upward trajectory

Somesweetday · 10/05/2026 11:56

Instead of being jealous of her you should be proud of yourself. You are working hard to better your career prospects and ypu have ambition and aspirations.

By the sound of it she is on a downward spiral of ill health and no better future to look forward to.

Ilikewinter · 10/05/2026 11:56

I don't think it's jealousy, it's being bloody pissed off that the OP is working her arse off to provide for her kid and improve her employment prospects ..... while her next door neighbour is doing sweet FA and gloating about it.

sidneytweeney · 10/05/2026 11:55

If I were her, I’d be jealous of you OP. She’s sitting on her arse all day (allegedly) scamming the benefits system and achieving nothing other than some tats and a pretty garden. You, on the other hand are on your way to a respected career, working hard and setting an amazing example for your kids. You’re the winner here 🌸

MidnightPatrol · 10/05/2026 11:54

I doubt she’s getting £1,000 for one child?

Legolaslady · 10/05/2026 11:50

Comparison is the thief of joy

Strandas · 10/05/2026 11:49

Why are you jealous as you don’t seem to like her? Why do you want to be like someone you don’t like? I’m surprised you’re friends, let alone feel she is someone to aspire to be like.