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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:
Thread gallery
12
ohhhhhyes · 13/10/2020 22:36

@DeliciouslyFemale

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.
This. And at least he is trying to earn a living
Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 22:41

He's back. I've replied nicely but hopefully firmly.

Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.
OP posts:
TheGirlWithAPrince · 13/10/2020 22:47

My old window cleaner had multiple disabilities, he texted like this too. Was a very sweet man but would have seemed very creepy if you didn't know.

CremantCharlie · 13/10/2020 22:47

Mmm, if he bothers you after the last message I think I would cancel him nearer the time. That does seem odd.

kleew1 · 13/10/2020 22:52

Aww he is odd but cant help think bless. What does yoyr neighbour think of him?

Original poster
SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 13/10/2020 23:07

He's still going. I'm ignoring him now. If he carries on then I'm blocking him. There's a line between being nice and allowing myself to be harassed.

Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.
Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.
Marvellous. The new window cleaner is... odd.
OP posts:
Heyahun · 13/10/2020 23:13

Oh gawd - yeah maybe just block for now that would wreck my head

goisey · 13/10/2020 23:13

That is the sweetest or the most bonkers thing I've ever read on MN!

I wouldn't worry about it too much, I just hope he stops soon.

Unless he is determined to use up all his monthly text bundle

RobertaTheGreat · 13/10/2020 23:16

I would be very wary of this man. I thought we'd got past the point in our society of expecting females to 'be nice' to men at our expense so we don't hurt their feelings. It's one thing to be a friendly client but quite another to feel you have to put up with harassment. Your feelings matter too.

MargotLovedTom1 · 13/10/2020 23:22

I agree with Roberta. I know this is a cop out but I think I'd reply: "Hello, this is Peasant's husband. She's asleep now. We will see you in December when you clean the windows again. Regards." I wouldn't give a monkey's if he believes you're asleep or not, but I would be interested to see whether he's as persistent with a man. I don't think I'd have him back either way.

Horsemad · 13/10/2020 23:24

@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. 😁

Haha, I've just woken my DH up laughing at this! 🤣😂🤣😂
Frappuccinofan · 13/10/2020 23:24

Thanks for the laughs OP 🤣

BertieBotts · 13/10/2020 23:32

This is hilarious, I think he's sweet! Hopefully he'll get some more customers and be too busy to bother you as much.

selflove · 13/10/2020 23:34

LD or not, his texting isn't appropriate and it's making you uncomfortable, and you're not being mean by setting boundaries. If he continued to message, I would definitely block.

whataballbag · 13/10/2020 23:34

@RobertaTheGreat

I would be very wary of this man. I thought we'd got past the point in our society of expecting females to 'be nice' to men at our expense so we don't hurt their feelings. It's one thing to be a friendly client but quite another to feel you have to put up with harassment. Your feelings matter too.
THIS
ItsASunnyDay · 13/10/2020 23:35

I also agree with Roberta. I hope it is a LD, he's very persistent. I think if he keeps texting after you tell him to stop I'd cancel December and block.

grassisjeweled · 14/10/2020 01:25

What Roberta said. Fuck that for a game of soldiers, block him

grassisjeweled · 14/10/2020 01:26

You've told him at least 6 times to stop texting, that's enough already.

NO WAY IN HELL would he text some bloke like that. Not a fucking chance

Tillygetsit · 14/10/2020 02:07

I think he would text a bloke in the same way. I worked with people who had LD and one woman volunteered at a charity shop.
She would ring another (woman) volunteer all the time, even sometimes when she woke at 3/4am.
It was a really tricky situation. We advised the other volunteer to block her but she didn't feel comfortable doing that. We didn't think it right to confiscate an adult woman's phone and we tried and tried yo explain why it was unacceptable to call people when they were sleeping.
Eventually she got bored of that particular volunteer.
I would tell your window cleaner that he is not allowed to call you until December. That might work?

Cantbreathe2020 · 14/10/2020 02:22

Wow. Yeah if he does have LD, then if they're as severe as they appear to be, then he really shouldn't be working in a customer facing job. Poor guy

katy1213 · 14/10/2020 02:23

Why would you give your phone number to a window cleaner?

mercutio12 · 14/10/2020 02:26

katy1213 How else would you know when they're coming so that you can be clothed and have the cash ready?

DownThePlath · 14/10/2020 05:11

I think i'd have to block if it carried on, otherwise it seems like he'll get too attached to you and your responses.

MrsCremuel · 14/10/2020 05:25

@DeliciouslyFemale my thoughts exactly.

Im sorry this freaked you out, i wouldn't worry though it sounds like he has learning difficulties. Stick with it, this probably means a lot to him and really its only a few odd messages.for you. If he does a good job I'd reply along the lines of TooMintys suggestion. Speaking as someone who has a DB with LD, its very hard for them.

Marisishidinginmyattic · 14/10/2020 07:39

I can’t believe people think this is sweet. He’s carried on after he’s been told to stop multiple times now. LD or not, it’s not OPs responsibility to put up with this just so someone’s feelings don’t get hurt.

OP, I think you would be doing him more of a favour if he has LD to cancel any future window cleaning, explain why so he can learn from it, and then block.