To think this was an overreaction by new neighbours.

[DancingDays]

House next to us has been empty for months. This afternoon I went to collect DDs from a party. When I went out the front door and I saw a removals van, couldnt see alot due to low sun in my eyes and didnt really want to look as they've all their belongings out. While loading DS into car, a man and woman appeared, I stuck my head over the car, said "Hi" they responded with a "Hi" and I drove off.

I return home and huddle DCS into the house as they are very nosey and ask 101 questions, I thought I would ease the new neighbours in gently once they have settled.

After a few minutes back home I hear a knock at the door, its the new neighbour. They have decided I am very rude to not welcome them and I have upset his wife. She's decided it's now a bad neighbourhood and wants to leave. Based on one 5 second interaction and 1/2 hour of me knowing they are there.

I explain I was busy collecting DCs and didnt want to disturb them while they are actually moving in.

He goes on and explains the only option is for me to go and apologise for my rudeness and go and get to know her. He said something along the lines of 'I expected more but that's the minimum acceptable'

He went to leave after my face and telling him I was busy with DCs but maybe I'll see them soon once things aren't so hectic for both of us. She then appeared at the door step, gave me a look of 'I'm waiting for an apology' then muttered "what's the point, she's left you on the doorstep" and stropped off back to their house.

I know moving is stressful but surely you don't confront your neighbours 'rudeness' within 1/2 hour of arrival.

So bizarre!

They sound very strange. I'd keep my distance and stay polite but detached, while making a note of any incidents for potential reports and for letting MN know

They'll turn out to be the neighbours from someone else's thread.

What!

Are they from a different country or a different cultural background?

This has just occurred to me, as I have a feeling that in some cultures it is the done thing to make a big deal about welcoming new neighbours. Ie, in the US (probably not in New York or somewhere like that!) I think it's a thing to take round home made pies and casseroles, stuff like
that? So maybe they had different expectations to the UK norm?

They would still be highly unreasonable though!

First rule for a stress free life

Always be friends with your neighbours.

I would invite them round for alcohol once Dcs are in bed to welcome them to the neighbourhood (albeit said through gritted teeth).

Good grief - sounds like only bunting hanging from the lamposts and a huge hamper of goodies and an invitation to dinner the evening they moved in, would have done the trick. Never heard of such a ridiculous reaction. I'm a sensitive soul, but would not expect anything from my neighbours on the day I moved in. Perhaps a smile and exchanging names if we passed on the driveway, but nothing more than that.

Has she got brown straight hair, aged about 50 and named Donna? If so welcome to the twin of Dawn from The housewives of Cheshire.

They will be planting Pampas grass next week for sure.
Whatever you do, don't invite them round for aperos!

The first thing I did with my last neighbours was cut their water off

We turned out to get on really, really well. Good luck with this.

Go and take the a welcome basket now, but make it odd things like a pair of socks (clean, but not new), a tin of pet food, a bus map - the more out of the date the better. Nothing rude, just nothing that good either.

If you listen very, very carefully you can hear the sound of champagne corks popping, gleeful shrieks and a brass band playing as their old neighbours celebrate their departure.

Is there any chance of a MN webcam being set up then we could drop in to watch them!

Put a 'Welcome, new neighbour!' note on a brick, and then hoy it through their window.

Blimey. I'm going to be in serious bother since out new next door but one neighbours moved in yesterday and we haven't even waved at them never mind said hi or had them round for five course banquet. Eek.

Oh goodie another bad neighbour post (grabs a chair and orders the popcorn)

At least OP if you both rent there's not going to be any arguments about jointly paying for roof repairs etc.

Personally, I wouldn't reward such bad behaviour with drinks or invites.

Norah is right that it's good to get on with your neighbours but not to the extent that you are a doormat.

What kind of person berates strangers on their door steps demanding apologies?

Squoosh and Uncertain

Norah I couldn't disagree more! First rule of a stress free life is have an incredibly distant relationship with your neighbours. Friendly nods and the odd parcel taken in.
Any more is inviting drama to your door.

He seems to be English, she is possibly Italian. I would hate to take food round, my cooking ability is limited to childrens staples, I may offend more, if that's possible.

I don't know what they were expecting. My squinting eyed Hi didn't cut it, nor my avoiding having children interogating them. I might try an over enthusiastic song and dance show, performed by DC that I endure daily later.

Just carry on as usual and put it down to moving stress. When you next see them apologise for getting off on the wrong foot.

I am liking the sarcastic tea and scones idea. Mostly because they won't get it it.

Just you still have chance to do the welcome basket and claim you have just returned from holiday.

Don't invite them round for god's sake. Keep. Your. Distance.

Unless you want to provide us with weeks of material. :)

Actually......do it!!!