Irritating musical family

[CurtainWitcher]

Namechanged, as this is outing.

We moved into this house in Jan. A neighbour introduced herself and we clicked well as we have DC of a similar age.

I'm a Music examiner and teach at a local school (which her DC don't attend). She was very keen to let me know how musical her family are, even inviting me over to hear her children play their instruments.

The problem is that it's ramped up a notch during lockdown. Her DC have been entertaining the close (four houses) by playing their instruments in the street. She even joined them today (her DH is the only one who isn't involved, but she asks him to film it on his phone).

The thing is that this all seems to be very much aimed at me, and seeking my approval, which is uncomfortable and intrusive. DH is convinced that she encourages them to go out and play as soon as anyone steps out of our house. She's also sent me lots of videos of them, on Whatsapp. I always praise them, but it's getting ridiculous. Their playing is fine, but certainly not extraordinary.

WIBU to politely discourage their persistent performances?

Sorry. I know I shouldn’t laugh but wtf

@dayswithaY, why does this bother you? Genuine question? Do you feel what's app isn't sited for longer messages? I agree it isn't really, but still.

*suited

Why do you stay outside listening to them OP? There are few reasons to go out at the moment and if you do go shopping or for exercise just say you’re in a hurry and can’t stop, sorry, before rushing off.

I'm so sorry, this is awful but really has made me chuckle. Good luck, I have no idea how you deal with this!

Be kind OP

Record them on your phone, then share it on the local area facebook page with overly gushing praise about them being so inspirational during the crisis. (And then let us see it please).

I think you need to save them from themselves by telling them to fuck off

They’ll thank you one day

Yes, there's a lot of eye-contact and smiling, which is really intrusive

Why? Can't you disappear to the back of your house as soon as they step outside their door?

If they catch you outside so it's difficult to escape, I suggest you pretend your phone's just rung (if they're busy music making they won't know it hasn't) and rush inside as if it's about something urgent. Or pretend you've left something on the stove, or you've got an urgent appointment.

Also, stop responding to the WhatsApp videos so much, and when you do, don't praise them. A few responses along the lines of "Such a shame Tallulah can never each that top G, isn't it?" and "Are you sure Orlando's violin is properly tuned?" should dampen her enthusiasm.

This has really made me laugh (which isn't that easy to do right now). Maybe they are hoping they can get on telly like some of the other massively irritating 'musical' families assailing us right now?

This has cheered me up so much! Sorry op, no advice.

Why don’t I have neighbours like this, it sounds hilarious. I don’t know if I’d feel different if I had these kind of neighbours, but can you not just try to see the funny side of it and just laugh at them, lock down won’t be for ever.
I wonder what your other neighbours think.

You know that come Yuletide you are going to have to address their card to 'the Von Trapps' don't you?!

We insist

@Casino218
Lol, are you available for hire?
🤣

This thread is hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

Oh dear, sounds excruciating.

@Mummy0ftwo12
Why?

Come out frowning, when mum smiles at you , do a sad face, head shake.Go inside
When she asks later what’s wrong , just say “ it’s personal ”with a tight smile.

She’ll be too scared to upset you again hopefully.

Hilarious.

Life will get even more awkward for OP though if her neighbours see this thread!

@Mummy0ftwo12
Is it you?

Have someone stationed at each window when they start, and very pointedly pull all the blinds down / curtains shut simultaneously.
They might get the message.

This is gold!
It’s extraordinary and I have no constructive advice but do keep us updated.

I have a horror of people singing at me with eye contact.
I’ve seen it in the past on Come Dine With Me sometimes; after dinner the guests would be sat awkwardly in a small sitting room while their host or worse still, their host’s child, whipped out a guitar or something and started singing at them from 2 feet away. The lighting was always really bright too, presumably for filming.

Online videos only get a thumbs up or get ignored.
Don't leave the house or car without your phone at your ear, finder in other ear and you talking at nobody.

What loons

This is very funny, thank you.

I don't understand how they're making eye contact, unless you're looking out of the front window all the time?

More practically, could you send them a couple of helpful tips, in a neutral manner, like suggesting singing teachers who could take the child up to the level required for auditions etc? While emphasising that you yourself cannot help with their particular requirements.

One family on our estate are dragging their child out to the middle of the cul de sac, with microphone and amp and letting their precious angel sing for the whole street. The performance (all twenty minutes of it) is even on the local Facebook page and, they are repeating it tomorrow should you have missed it. Oh joy!

Thankfully it’s not my street. Had it have been the curtains would have been drawn and slip knot playing before you could say precocious.

Perhaps she could join your musicians OP?