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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU? Can't tell what new neighbour is saying

44 replies

nutterbutsquashed · 28/05/2017 23:22

I can't work out a word he's saying.

I actually find it quite annoying. If I'm in the garden he shuffles over and mumbles something at me. I just end up saying "oh, really ... right ... yes ... oh?"

How do you deal with it? AIBU to wish he'd bugger off!

OP posts:
SynysterGates · 28/05/2017 23:23

don't know what your saying

Haudyerwheesht · 28/05/2017 23:24

Huh?

Original poster
nutterbutsquashed · 28/05/2017 23:25

You're, Synyster

OP posts:
Babyblues14 · 28/05/2017 23:25

Just say I'm sorry I can't hear what your saying. Otherwise it will just go on forever and annoy you even more

Moanyoldcow · 28/05/2017 23:25

Just say 'what did you say? Can you speak up please?'

This is not rocket science...

kaytee87 · 28/05/2017 23:26

You could perhaps just ask him to speak up...

IDontBowlOnShabbos · 28/05/2017 23:30

Sorry this has really made me laugh Grin

Just ask him to repeat himself. It's not that hard! If you have to do it more than twice then just make up your own conversation. I'm sure he'll soon leave you alone.

Original poster
nutterbutsquashed · 28/05/2017 23:31

I have but he just continues mumbling and I still can't tell.

There comes a point where repeatedly asking someone to repeat themselves gets embarrassing and plus I'm really not that interested anyway!

OP posts:
KingJoffreysRestingCuntface · 28/05/2017 23:32

Higher fence. With brambles. And a vulture, if you can manage it.

That'll keep him away.

Moanyoldcow · 28/05/2017 23:34

Literally, I would just say 'I can't understand what you are saying' very loudly until he either leaves you alone or sorts himself out.

I don't understand why you're embarrassed.

Original poster
nutterbutsquashed · 28/05/2017 23:35

I'm not embarrassed.

OP posts:
IDontBowlOnShabbos · 28/05/2017 23:38

Well just carry on what you're doing then.
I do know what you mean though, I think we've all been in that situation.

If I'm at work then I'll say I'm sorry I'm a bit hard of hearing can you speak loudly, slowly and clearly (I'm not). If it's just in day to day life I do the same as you. Not much help sorry!

IDontBowlOnShabbos · 28/05/2017 23:39

Or get the vulture. That sounds cooler.

LolaTheDarkdestroyer · 28/05/2017 23:40

Just nod and agree it's not hard.

Grilledaubergines · 28/05/2017 23:41

If I can't understand someone, o blame it on me and say 'I'm so sorry, my hearing isn't great, you you say it again' - they then try to speak more clearly, if possible and I haven't embarrassed them. Maybe try similar?

Grilledaubergines · 28/05/2017 23:42

Although I'm having trouble typing sentences, it seems - sorry for the typos etc!

Moanyoldcow · 28/05/2017 23:44

There comes a point where repeatedly asking someone to repeat themselves gets embarrassing and plus I'm really not that interested anyway!

That's what you posted - I obviously misunderstood Hmm

BoomBoomsCousin · 28/05/2017 23:46

When I have continual difficulties with someone I usually say "I'm sorry, my hearing is terrible, I can't tell what you're saying. Could you speak more clearly?" Which normally has the effect of making people who would normally just repeat the same mumble actually try a bit harder. But it doesn't always work.

Slimthistime · 28/05/2017 23:52

Don't say "yes" or "right" because you might accidentally agree to a threesome with his twin or something.

Original poster
nutterbutsquashed · 28/05/2017 23:53

Moany

"Mumble mumble mumble "
"Sorry?"
"Mumble mumble mumble "
"Excuse me?"
"Mumble mumble mumble "
"I'm sorry, could you say that again?"

does get awkward. Plus I don't have TIME!

OP posts:
WhiteCaribou · 28/05/2017 23:53

Perhaps the poor chap has a problem? My MIL had a minor stroke about ten years ago from which she fully recovered except that her speech was slightly affected. As she's got older she sounds more and more mumbly and it's now really difficult to understand what she is saying. It's not for want of trying either from her or us, she simply cannot speak clearly. It's really isolating for her and has sapped her confidence enormously. Maybe your neighbour has some similar problem.

29Palms · 29/05/2017 00:32

Ask him to write it down.

nina2b · 29/05/2017 00:50

Why bother with this AIBU thing, at all?
You have so little time.

MoggieMaeEverso · 29/05/2017 09:25

Just mumble back at him. If he asks you to repeat yourself, mumble some more.

Trifleorbust · 29/05/2017 09:36

I hate it when posters correct the spelling and grammar of other posters. Rude.