To feel like I'm in a competitive neighbour thing without even wanting to be?

[MycatsaPirate]

We moved into our rented house 3 years ago. At that point DD1 was at primary school and dp was still off work long term sick after an RTC so we would pick her up from school and go to the beach for a picnic and swim. The couple across from us (LL's son and wife - now our LL's) started doing the same when they found out. And as DD1 had a body board they also bought body boards for their dc and came to the same beach.

Two years ago I traded in my car and got myself a second hand convertible. After seeing it they went and bought one TWO DAYS later!

Since then it seems anything we do, they have to do and do better. It's getting fucking wearing.

I have literally just posted on social media that our day out tomorrow feeding the meerkats has had to be cancelled as the mum gave birth so we have swapped to ring tailed lemurs. Now their NDN had tagged this woman and said 'Oh we need to take the kids to do this!'

I didn't point out that a) it's a 2.5 hour drive each way, b) only 2 people can do it c) under 12's can't do it and d) it costs £45 each.

We have been waiting for months to do this, we got given a voucher at Xmas and waited until DD was away on a school trip and DP could get time off work.

I am tempted to start posting random shit to throw them off the scent.

Just ignore it. I know it's irritating but they do say that imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Its possibly just a coincindence in regards to the convertible they would have had to go out the very next day and buy it if it was 2 days later , it must have been planned for a while . It always takes me ages to choose a new car test drive etc.
And the whole meercat thing she just saying wants to it , so what people always say that on social media doesn't always come of anything when they realize cost and distance involved.
I'm sorry but I really think you should not worry.

Announce you have joined a swingers club!

Post random threads to lead them astray but make sure you keep us updated please 😂😂

Oh op you could have such fun with them over this habit....post your intention to give up your usual exotic holiday to go camping in Wales as it so eco friendly......in December..

Love the swingers idea....

How about posting you are giving up wine and taking up pints of lager as someone said you are too thin and lager is more fattening......check out if they are sitting in the garden with pints from now on.....

Pretend to have a jacuzzi delivered😁

Does it really affect you?

Does other people having fun at the beach with body boards stop you from having fun at the beach with body boards?

If you like your car does it bother you that other people also like and drive the same type of car?

Does the fact that other people are considering a day out feeding meerkats or lemurs ruin your day out feeding lemurs?

If not then just carry on doing the things you like, and if other people like doing the same things or see you enjoying yourself and think that looks good, I'll have to try it then it really doesn't matter.

If it does affect you... Why?

Maybe stop sharing so much information with people on the internet?

Move them on FB to acquaintances and make your posts to friends only. They’ll still be your FB friend but won’t be able to see your posts new posts.

I quite like the idea of dropping random things into conversation though like you’re in training for a 24 hour run, you’ve just just started volunteering for the local three legged alpaca society and you are renewing your vows on top of Kilimanjaro next summer.

Is your name Janet? I think it was Janets we had a thread about a while back who 'own' certain activities and things so no one else is allowed to do/have them.

In 3 years they've 'copied' you 3 times? YABU and need to get over yourself, you don't 'own' bodyboarding or being the possessor of a convertible car or experiencing feeding zoo animals.

Am I right in understanding that they take their kids to the beach after school and they got a convertible shortly after you got one? And someone else has suggested to them that they do a similar activity to one you're doing?

No offence OP, but none of these are such unique and special ideas that they would have needed to 'copy' you - I assume most people in the area are aware that there's a beach nearby and you can't be the only ones taking their children there after school, and I'm sure they had heard of convertibles before you got yours. Even if they did look at you and think 'Hey, taking the kids to the beach after school is a good idea' or 'Wow - she really looks like she's having fun in her convertible' is that really so bad?!

I'd probably have some fun tbh, see if they really are copying you (which is very flattering...), borrow a really knackered white van off a mate and pretend it's yours and you're soooo proud of your new vehicle, get the most expensive window company Everest round and make out you're having new windows fitted, etc. I'm naughty like that though