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Original poster

Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.

388 replies

SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 21:18

He cleaned my windows for the first time today after doing my neighbour's and knocking on the off-chance. The Spidey senses started tingling a bit when I politely pointed out to him that he'd left his stepladder up in the middle of the road and cars were having to stop and wait to go past it. He'd done it on purpose apparently - something about ladders on top of his van? Confused

Then he started texting me this evening. It started off normally and then got a bit strange. He wanted to message me pretending it was time for him to come back again, 'to build his confidence'. I thought he had a new automated reminder message system he wanted to use but no, it was just him sending a text. Then he wanted to try it again.

This guy has my address and my phone number and it's only me and the kids at home. I'm a bit freaked out. Any ideas?

Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.
OP posts:
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Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 21:41

My last window cleaner came once and then never came again so I was happy for him to take my number and pleased by his initial message following up.

OP posts:
DeliciouslyFemale · 13/10/2020 21:42

So you didn’t get any creepy vibes of him? It sounds more like SN or autism, rather than someone dangerous. Poor fella. In saying that, still keep yourself safe, just in case I’m reading it wrong.

supersky · 13/10/2020 21:44

I’m so sorry for any men with LD who have to navigate the world and try to live independently, reading some of these replies
I don't think anyone is laughing because he potentially has a LD, it's not the first thing that came to my mind to be fair

AwaAnBileYerHeid · 13/10/2020 21:45

😂😂😂

Bless, it certainly doesn't sound sinister, just a bit...odd. I'm sure he poses no harm. You may have to be friendly but blunt with him.

Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 21:45

I've asked my NDN if he's sent her husband anything similar.

I'm calm now - was a bit scared earlier.

OP posts:
Marisishidinginmyattic · 13/10/2020 21:45

@supersky

I’m so sorry for any men with LD who have to navigate the world and try to live independently, reading some of these replies I don't think anyone is laughing because he potentially has a LD, it's not the first thing that came to my mind to be fair
I agree. It's probably a sign of what life is like for women that we all leaned on the side of man overstepping/loon rather than anything else.
Mamascoven · 13/10/2020 21:48

This made me chuckle after a crappy day 🤣

DeliciouslyFemale · 13/10/2020 21:50

@supersky

I’m so sorry for any men with LD who have to navigate the world and try to live independently, reading some of these replies I don't think anyone is laughing because he potentially has a LD, it's not the first thing that came to my mind to be fair
Well I don’t think the Forest Gump reference showed any respect to those with LD or SN.
12309845653ghydrvj · 13/10/2020 21:51

Some of these replies are really mean, he clealry has some form of learning disability and is trying to learn how to work. Blocking him for having a disability and trying to learn to work is just cruel, and will set back his self confidence. It’s like when you go to a charity shop and they have a nice young guy with pretty severe SN learning to man the tills, you act friendly, give them a normal interaction and thank them for the lovely service, you don’t turn your nose up at them and make snide remarks. OP you have been lovely and have helped give this young man the self confidence to make a living.

Honesty, some people!! Work on being a bit nicer—how would you feel if it was your adult disabled son being treated like this? Shame on anyone who would be anything but supportive.

DeliciouslyFemale · 13/10/2020 21:54

Please come back tomorrow and let us know how it’s went. You might be more able to pick up if he’s a man not to be trusted or simply someone with LD/SN, now that you’ve had more time to think and discuss the situation.

wheresmymojo · 13/10/2020 21:56

Bless him.

I agree with PP that he possibly isn't NT but is getting out there and working so good for him.

If he was a creep I don't think practicing booking in for another appointment would be his chosen approach!

DeliciouslyFemale · 13/10/2020 21:56

But please trust your instincts. There’s a fine line between compassion and putting yourself at risk.

If he turns up in a leather face mask and tiger skinned mankini, then I’m judgement has been completely off. 😁

wheresmymojo · 13/10/2020 21:57

@DeliciouslyFemale

But please trust your instincts. There’s a fine line between compassion and putting yourself at risk.

If he turns up in a leather face mask and tiger skinned mankini, then I’m judgement has been completely off. 😁

Ha!

Yes, this too Grin

Flibbitygibbit · 13/10/2020 21:58

"I need to get on with my evening" handy line which I'll be borrowing Op 😂

SpookyNoise · 13/10/2020 21:59

Did you find out if he sent similar messages to your neighbour?

Marisishidinginmyattic · 13/10/2020 22:00

Shame on anyone who would be anything but supportive

There’s no shame in putting yourself and your safety first even if LD are involved.

TooMinty · 13/10/2020 22:02

Glad to be of help. He sounds harmless - I generally go with nice but firm. For my colleague I'd go further and explain social etiquette/boundaries a bit if I felt he was struggling but we have a closer working relationship than you do with your one time window cleaner!

KurriKawari · 13/10/2020 22:04

Oh this reminds me so so much of when I worked for a funding organisation that gave money to set up their own social enterprises. A guy applied to set up his own window cleaning firm and I had to explain to him it wasnt a social enterprise. And he kept emailing me, said he would come to office (we dont have a walk in office), when I spoke to him he clearly had learning difficulties and really needed this money to set himself up, and couldn't understand why we were saying no, kept telling me how much it would improve his confidence:(

Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 22:12

Oh gosh, I feel bad for being scared now. My parents' window cleaners brought them a jar of homemade honey from Poland last time they visited.

OP posts:
Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 22:14

@SpookyNoise

Did you find out if he sent similar messages to your neighbour?
No, I don't expect a reply until the morning.
OP posts:
12309845653ghydrvj · 13/10/2020 22:17

No @SeasonallySnowyPeasant you did nothing wrong! You seem totally lovely.

oldbagface · 13/10/2020 22:19

One of three things.

  1. He has a learning disability
  1. Cable guy
  1. He's wanking
hadtojoin · 13/10/2020 22:29

The others may be right that he has LD but to me he also comes across as just lacking confidence, if he is young or has just started his business. I think it was nice of him to ask whether you were happy with your windows and although rather odd asking you to check his booking message he was polite and not rude at all. He may have felt that you would give him a honest answer. I would give him another chance in Dec rather than cancel.

DeliciouslyFemale · 13/10/2020 22:33

He may not have sent the same message to the neighbour because he doesn’t feel as ‘comfortable’ with the interactions with them, so I wouldn’t read too much into that.

Yogawithmydog · 13/10/2020 22:36

I also immediately thought LD/autism reading this. He is polite and trying hard but very "one track" which is very similar to my adult relative who has both. Your kindness will mean a lot.

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