Would this comment from a neighbour annoy you?

[Ketley67]

Elderly neighbour. Our DS is 17. She asked me to go over to help her with something. As I was leaving she said ‘I hope you don’t mind me saying but the state of your son’s friend’s cars that they’re picking him up in’ and then pulled a face, before she had chance to say anything else I interjected with ‘they’re fine, all safe and road worthy. I know all the parents. No one’s spending a fortune on their child’s first car’.

Any thoughts on this interaction at all?

It would not bother me in the slightest

I would go home and have a chuckle about it with my son

and then give it zero further though

I think she is concerned for the safety of your DS. Is the car in a poor state?

Can’t imagine being bothered about this, whays the issue, why are you so protective of the car?

The neighbour is just showing concern for your Daughter?

Would this comment from a neighbour annoy you?

Not in the slightest.

Sounds as though she's just concerned for your son's safety.

This really.

Well you didn't let her finish her comment really. What state did she mean?

So I get why you’re annoyed as it’s the sort of thing that annoys me too even if people are trying to be helpful- I just don’t need people giving me more shit to worry about on top of everything else 😂. But at the same time you actually don’t know the cars are roadworthy even if you know the parents so she might be right.

Wouldn’t factor. In fact, I tune all of this out and answer with ‘hmmm, I know’ to pretty much every bit of shite anyone comes out with. No further thought required. No need to march onto Mumsnet.

Was it the sort of comment that Hyacinth would have made to Richard about Onslow’s car?

Thanks everyone. Just wanted some perspective as I’m feeling incredibly hemmed in by her but I’m recovering from major surgery, dealing with peri menopause whilst simultaneously parenting teenagers. I just want to scream at the world!

Start a thread about some of that then

not an elderly neighbour making a comment about the cars belong to the friends of your son…. Or even about your son’s car! And even then I’d have just laughed about it

I'd silently think 'mind your own business you busybody' whilst hopefully coming up with the response that you did.
And then....never give it another thought
(although I might have a sneaky look just to make sure they do actually appear "fine, all safe and road worthy")

Slagging off my teenage son’s friend’s cars? Nah, couldn’t give a toss.

it was dirty and about time he put it through the carwash

That's how I read it 😉

I'd find it funny

I don't think the neighbour is concerned for safety I think she is a snob and doesn't kike the look of old cars pulling up outside her house.

Back in the day my now FIL told his son (then BF) he didn't really want my shitty car on his driveway.

X

Yes sounds like a Hyacinth Bouquet comment that, poor onslow..My sons first car didnt look overly great(i bought him it,and hadnt much cash) but it had a M.O.T. and so was roadworthy.(It lasted him awhile)So none of anyone elses business,and certainly no ones business what your sons friends drive,nosy old snob.

I'd have just said, straight out-"well they're roadworthy so its none of OUR business what it looks like, is it?He'll clean it when he cleans it" but i'm outspoken so if she didnt like it,tough.😁

I’d reply “ I don’t mind at all ‘🤷‍♀️

Neighbour is being thoughtful and concerned.

Age of neighbour is not pertinent

What daughter?

She sounds like a snob to me, best ignored. Maybe she thinks these cars are "lowering the tone" of the road or something.

Ignore her comments, give a tinkly laugh response and when you get indoors give her the finger out of her sight. I find that very therapeutic if someone gets on my nerves. 😊