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Is there anything I could or should do..?

7 replies

TheWomanNextDoor · 26/07/2022 14:29

There is a family next door to me. They are Romanian. The woman speaks very little English. We have broken conversations supplemented with gestures on the doorstep but nothing more.

Over the past few weeks, she has been sitting outside late in the evening crying. I can hear through open window when I'm in bed. We live in a Victorian terraced house so her garden is close!

Anyway, without understanding a word of what is said, from the tone of voice, I'd surmise he has had or she suspects him of having had an affair. She is not angry, just very sad and desperate. He sounded, initially, as though he was very supportive, explaining himself. Fwiw, his tone of voice sounded very genuine.

Over the past few nights, he has sounded quite exasperated and raised his voice. Not shouted at her but is clearly tired of having the same conversations and giving the same explanations. She sits outside just sobbing quietly and sadly to herself.

If she spoke better English (or I spoke any Romanian!), I'd invite her round for a cup of tea now it's the school holidays and I'm off school. She doesn't seem to have friends around to the house. I'm just worried she's a bit isolated tbh and going through this alone and staying strong for the children and all that. I've been there.

Would you reach out to her or myob?

OP posts:
TibetanTerrah · 26/07/2022 14:33

You could be neighbourly and invite her over for a cup of tea, and use Google translate to communicate. My DM used it on holiday in Turkey with the hotel staff and it worked well. You can speak into it and play the other language back to save butchering the pronunciation Wink

TheWomanNextDoor · 26/07/2022 14:57

Thank you. Yes, I might do that.

OP posts:
TibetanTerrah · 26/07/2022 15:19

Just don't mention you've heard her crying, she'll be embarrassed. Sometimes a friendly face and a distraction is enough. You're very sweet thinking of her Flowers

TheWomanNextDoor · 26/07/2022 15:29

Oh god, no, wasn't going to mention that! I'm just worried about her being isolated. She doesn't work. Her husband is out at work all day and she has one child in school and another at home. I never see any friends come or go.

I have (very docile, non bitey) rabbits and guinea pigs. I thought about asking her if she wanted to bring the children round to see them as an opener.

I'm glad it's not a stupid idea.

OP posts:
Lightning020 · 26/07/2022 15:33

So kind of you to think of the neighbour like this. Poor woman. Hope it goes well.

Decidualcast · 26/07/2022 16:56

That’s really lovely and kind of you. Could you take a cake or something over and introduce yourself? I agree with Google translate - I’ve used it all over the world.

Theredjellybean · 26/07/2022 16:58

I think you sound like a lovely neighbour and don't be put off by language barrier, use google translate and the universal language of small cuddly pets....wish there were more people like you in the world !

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