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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be a bit sad about this and want to avoid this person, (long)

54 replies

Marzipanface · 24/10/2012 15:13

I probably am being unreasonable, plus I know this is very trivial etc...

I moved to a new town a year ago, my neighbour moved in not long after me. We introduced ourselves and discovered that we have quite a bit in common plus have young children. She didn't know anyone so I told her about the toddler groups and she came along with me. I introduced her to any other Mum's I had met. This went on for a while, coffee visits, toddler groups and trips out. I was quite pleased I had found a friend. I introduced her to another family on the street who are lovely and their children play with my child. Neighbour seemed quite uncomfortable with it all then admitted to me next time I saw her that she didn't want to socialise or be friendly with this family. The reason? They don't own their home, in fact it is a HA house. I was really shocked at the attitude but have gradually discovered it is quite prevalent around here.

Then I was ill for about two weeks and couldn't get out and about very well. On returning to toddler groups, neighbour's attitude seemed to change towards me. I was sort of left smiling and waving at her when she walked through the doors only for her to blank me and go over to another bunch of mums. When I went over to chat her at the groups, she would be polite but would often turn her back to talk to the other mums. As my garden backs onto hers, I couldn't fail to notice she began to invite the other mums back to her house after toddler groups and all the kids would play outside. I felt quite bad for my little one as she wanted to go and play as well. Clearly I wasn't invited.

Confused, I assumed I had done something to offend her so left it to just being polite when I saw her. It became summer holidays, groups stopped and clearly neighbour had nothing to do so suddenly very friendly with me again, inviting me round and telling me she had nothing to do so maybe we should hook up? Nevertheless I did go round for coffee and felt we got on quite well. Over the holidays she repeatedly said 'come round, we can catch up' so I would knock on her door and we would arrange a time. This was sort of never reciprocated. When I invited her round I didn't hear anything.

So, after the fourth time of me knocking on her door like a wally, I decided I would just leave it and see if she came knocking on mine.

Three months passed...

Nothing until today. She has knocked and informed she is bored and can she and her child come in and play.

I said no politely as we have plans later (lie, I am actually feeling quite run down)

This obviously annoyed her and she pressed for a time next week.

AIBU to bloody upset and feel a bit 'used'?

OP posts:
HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 08:33

I'm going to say thank you as well. I could have written that op myself several years ago!

Go to the toddler groups and invite the mind you like around to yours after, including ones from the HA houses, so they can mix and make friends. Hand out invitations for the following week, if you have to get in there first!

I don't understand your neighbour's attitude to the children of families in HA places. They will be going to the same school, so does she think she will be able to separate her child from them then? Very odd.
The only reason I stopped my children playing with others in our neighbourhood was when very small children were out playing without an adult and I didn't want to be used as a childminder (or be held responsible if something went wrong).

Marzipanface · 25/10/2012 10:57

"Happy" Yes, I have that problem. You are outside with your young child and all the other kids are there as well playing then after a while you realise you are the only adult, and start panicking about responsibility!

OP posts:
HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 21:30

Yes, Marx, that exactly the kind of thing, or when a 4 year old and a 6 or 7 year old come knocking on the door ( no adult in sight, and you have no idea which house they live in, or who the parents are) and ask if your kids can come out to play (and they don't know their names - they just say 'them girls').
If your neighbour had those kinds of experiences from a lot of families in HA homes, I suppose it is possible that she might tar all with the same brush. But having been branded unworthy by some just for living in an ex- council house (Im a very posh and snobby village) I know there are plenty of people around who try to climb the greasy pole by stepping on those just below them!

HappyTurquoise · 25/10/2012 21:32

Sorry Marz I didn't expect my auto correct to change your name.Blush

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