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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Neighbour - not a typical problem (although I have those as well).

76 replies

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:06

Not really sure if AIBU is best for this - but I am sure I might well be seen to be, to some extent. Also, so sorry that this content is my first post; I have been lurking for a while, and really hoped I could engage in some other way before bringing this up, but the situation is getting more problematic by the day.

I live next door to a small Social Housing apartment complex (8 properties, one of which is lived in by my best friend - who just happens to be a man, which is only slightly relevant - but he came here when his rotte father sold a millioon pouind farm and never gave him a bean - another story....). Many different people - at varying stages of life, and in differing circumstances, have come and gone over the 9 years I have lived here, in a semi-detached right alongside.

Earlier this year, a young lady I already knew from the area moved in to the ground floor one adjacent to my house. She has several issues (all of which are known to me, I'm not speculating), some are connected with mental health - well, all are I guess...... She openly says she is disabled (damaged at birth), and attributes her behaviours the disability, sometimes as a get-out I think. She has known me a long time, from days when I went to the Library quite often, and she was hanging out there (as also a Resource Centre), and sees me as a mother-figure I think, and also - to an extent - seems to respect me.

But having her so close is quite a trial..... also, she goes into the village (small town really), where I also go quite often, and seems to pop up wherevere I am - if she feels so inclined. Other days she will ignore me totoally - which is fine, but worrying....

She is 28 - and pregnant for the second time (the first baby was subject to Care proceedings as soon as he was born - largely due to the relationship she was in at that time - also turned out not to be baby's father). He was adopted at age two last year. She immediately became pregnant (implant removed) to another man, who is the son of a friend of mine. Both of HIS children are in Care.

When I knew she was coming here, we tried to establish boundaries - but it is just a big fail. She knocks on my door all the time, she knocks on my friend's door - even though - being male - she puts him in a spot. She tested positive for CoVid, and still came round, lterally coughing all over me.

She involves the Police in ANY falling-out she has with her "boyfriend" (he doesn't live there, just shows up at night - although he doesn't work - and leaves early, sends abusive messages to her, and is always telling he that he's "done". She accused him of rape the first night they slept together, and he spent a day and night in the cells. I have no idea what the hell he was playing at sleeping with her again, and this pregnancy being the result, although he is demanding a DNA test when she is born.

All of this sounds so much like gossip, and I promise it isn't. I recently decided I needed to protect my mind (due to my own ridiculous lifelong family issues) and be careful what I became involved with. But with this, I have no choice. I simply cannot be unkind to her - but due to her diagnosed "attachment disorder" - and the fact that I do seem to be patient with her and am somewhat motherly (she herself was adopted, but her adoptive parents, even though just around the corner - have virtyually cut her off) - she can be a bit too clingy - and I am so very worried what will happen when baby arrives (due 9/6) - even though Social Services are giving her VERY mixed messages about whether or not she can keep her (I am inclined to think it will be "not").

She has at least two |Social Workers (one for baby), a Support Worker - and a few other professionals involved. But I do know that she sees me and W (my friend) as being on-the-spot and therefore easier to come to for the more basic things. Sometimes several times a day.

BUT now, rows with neighbours are starting (and one or two were not too fond of me anyway) - to the point that relatives of theirs are following her into shops and verbally abusing and physically threatening her. So she involves the Police - and it escalates so quickly.

Anyone any ideas what I can do....?

I am so sorry for the wall of text, and what seems like a big whinge - but I am worried on so many levels - for her, for new baby into the world - for expectations of me (when I am quite fragile anyway - although never show it) and of W, and of how the trouble can get as bad here as it did where she was moved from (and also how that will rub off on me - and it will, I know how this kind of thing can happen).

I really tried to prevent problems, and have done what i can - but she does do such a lot herself, just by shouting at people and ignoring my advice (fwiww).....
.....help......

PS - I can do a diagram. I love a diagram, and I know MN does too.

OP posts:
Wafflewombat · 12/05/2021 13:09

Sounds like she needs to be in supported accommodation, not in regular HA property.

Be really careful. I'd try to contact her social worker, maybe the HA and then be very busy thereafter.

Miasicarisatia · 12/05/2021 13:14

Very difficult ☹️

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:18

@Wafflewombat

Sounds like she needs to be in supported accommodation, not in regular HA property.

Be really careful. I'd try to contact her social worker, maybe the HA and then be very busy thereafter.

Last month some time, after an argument with J, she called an Ambulance as she had some pains. She did not update me that night - but the next day I managed to get her SW number due to my concerns (she has talked before about self-harming/suicide - SW not aware) and we spoke for some time, She (SW) told me that they cannot make her accept more support than she has, and she WANTS (!) to live independently.

There is also talk of her going to a Mother and Baby Unit, but I am not sure how true or fixed that is, as in the next memoment, "they" are saying that they are going to start Care Proceedings for new baby (who already has a SW of her own.

It sounds awful, but this is not something I want in my life (as I am bound to make magtters worse), or am strong enough to cope with - but I know that I am too concerned about her/the situation to not help if I can.

OP posts:
DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:19

Ugh - how do you edit posts once posted. I can spell/type, honestly.

OP posts:
Miasicarisatia · 12/05/2021 13:22

You are not awful for not wanting this in your life, this woman needs proper support and you are not in a position to provide it nor should you have to
She has been dumped by people who have a duty of care towards her ☹️

Lollypop4 · 12/05/2021 13:22

You need to start distancing yourself.
If agencies are already involved, you don't need to be so much.

If she knocks, tell her you are sorry but busy until (Maybe give a day and time?)
If she knocks after that either ignore until date and Time youve given or repeat to her your above availabilty and that you wont be answering to her agin until then.

Moondust001 · 12/05/2021 13:24

I don't think Social Services are the only ones sending mixed messages. I think you are too. You set boundaries, she ignored them and you let her ignore them. You cannot both be available for her and give her support and advice, and not be - it isn't your job to "prevent problems", it is hers, and you either get involved or you stay right out of it.

Past that, I am honestly not really sure what you are asking. It seems you want to please everyone, and yourself on top of that, and that is obviously not going to work. What is it that you want out of this situation?

HamAndCheeseToastie5032 · 12/05/2021 13:26

I think unfortunately this is one of those situations where you need to decide if you're in, or if you're out.

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:29

@Lollypop4

You need to start distancing yourself. If agencies are already involved, you don't need to be so much.

If she knocks, tell her you are sorry but busy until (Maybe give a day and time?)
If she knocks after that either ignore until date and Time youve given or repeat to her your above availabilty and that you wont be answering to her agin until then.

I know I do (we do) - and it is by and large the proximity that is an issue. She would not go out of her way to make request of me if I was not nearby (nor W).

But she just does not take no for an asnwer.
It can be as though you have said nothing, and she keeps coming back.

The rows with the other people in the apartmenst are an example of her ignoring my advice (which was basically just "don't engage" - but that does not make THEM right) - although she is not in the wrong in this instance, it must be said. But that too has escalated ridiculously.

She is 28, but seems very very immature in her behaviour and life skills. It makes me so sad - but angry and upset as well.

OP posts:
TheQueef · 12/05/2021 13:29

You can't give what you don't have.

If it's too much you must withdraw, as you said it won't help anyone but it will harm your health.

Mellonsprite · 12/05/2021 13:30

I agree with distancing yourself as much as possible, start to withdraw and try not to be involved in any discussions where you need to give advice. It sounds sad though.

rookiemere · 12/05/2021 13:35

I agree with others, I think you need to maintain a distance so don't answer the door unless you have to and don't provide any support. It sounds harsh because it is, but I suppose it's similar to elderly parents wanting to stay at home and think they are independent, but only manage to do it because their adult DCs are providing all the care.

In this case you're not related and sounds like getting involved would open your life to some dodgy people.

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:37

@Moondust001

I don't think Social Services are the only ones sending mixed messages. I think you are too. You set boundaries, she ignored them and you let her ignore them. You cannot both be available for her and give her support and advice, and not be - it isn't your job to "prevent problems", it is hers, and you either get involved or you stay right out of it.

Past that, I am honestly not really sure what you are asking. It seems you want to please everyone, and yourself on top of that, and that is obviously not going to work. What is it that you want out of this situation?

Oh I agree - and I have tried not to. It goes against my nature to be unkind, and I do not believe in being "cruel to be kind" either.

We do not ignore the boundaries, but they do get adjusted, in a the least harmful way possible. And I do think it is possible - maybe even unavoidable, given that I knew her before, and have always been patient with her - to be semi-supportive and not 100& involved. I thought that there WERE more people who could help her, but am realising that's not the case - most everyone (including her own adoptive parents) has detached themselves, probably due to this secind ill-advised pregnancy.

I cannot say definitevly waht I want out of the situation - and I forgive myself for giving mixed messages (whilst trying hard not to) - but then, I am not attending to her in a professional capacity and with power over her life.

I am not sure what I want "out of this situation"- but I did say that this was probably just a whinge - looking for input, other female points of view (I have no-one else I can trust to talk to) and a word or two of support. If there are any professionals (SWs or other) who can advise, that would be great too.... I am just struggling a bit, as there is not much escape now.

OP posts:
Dogwoodrose · 12/05/2021 13:39

I know you said you can't be unkind to her OP and I get that but you have to detach as best you can here, for your own sake. You're obviously not naive about the implications for you, not just for your own health and sanity but also how your involvement with her will be perceived locally and your ability to feel comfortable and content where you live. And that matters, you matter and she is not your responsibility.

I realise it will be difficult but you really need to protect yourself, as Wafflewombat says it's time to suddenly be very busy, if she knocks with a problem refer her back to her social or support worker and tell W to do the same. It will take time for her to get the message and transfer her attention elsewhere and she will no doubt be hurt/upset but you can't allow her to drag you down with her.

I realise it will feel as though you're having to put way too much effort into avoiding her and extricating yourself when she tries to involve you but it will only be short term whereas the support you're currently having to give will be ongoing and is only likely to increase. I think it's probably worth the short term pain in order to avoid the long term shitstorm being involved with her will bring.

Honestly OP you've done all you can (and more than most people would have done) but this is starting to be detrimental to your own life and you are correctly foreseeing that it will get worse going forward so it really is time to stop.

Miasicarisatia · 12/05/2021 13:43

If she won't take no for an answer then you have to make sure she does not get the opportunity to ask you the question

Miasicarisatia · 12/05/2021 13:45

I don't think being semi supportive will work, this woman does not have the intellectual sophistication to perceive the nuances, she sees things in black and white terms and if you offer any help she will cling to you like a limpet.
She's a vulnerable adult who needs professional support

TheQueef · 12/05/2021 13:46

You can't change the outcome.
Sadly, it's a shit storm waiting to happen.

It's ok to realise that and d etach now.

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:50

@Dogwoodrose

I know you said you can't be unkind to her OP and I get that but you have to detach as best you can here, for your own sake. You're obviously not naive about the implications for you, not just for your own health and sanity but also how your involvement with her will be perceived locally and your ability to feel comfortable and content where you live. And that matters, you matter and she is not your responsibility.

I realise it will be difficult but you really need to protect yourself, as Wafflewombat says it's time to suddenly be very busy, if she knocks with a problem refer her back to her social or support worker and tell W to do the same. It will take time for her to get the message and transfer her attention elsewhere and she will no doubt be hurt/upset but you can't allow her to drag you down with her.

I realise it will feel as though you're having to put way too much effort into avoiding her and extricating yourself when she tries to involve you but it will only be short term whereas the support you're currently having to give will be ongoing and is only likely to increase. I think it's probably worth the short term pain in order to avoid the long term shitstorm being involved with her will bring.

Honestly OP you've done all you can (and more than most people would have done) but this is starting to be detrimental to your own life and you are correctly foreseeing that it will get worse going forward so it really is time to stop.

Thank you - and you are quite right.

Only recently a person who lives nearby and whom I had never spoken to before told me that he thought I don't belong here - I don't fit in..... (in a "good"? way). I did rather wash up here on my way down life's ladder, I am sorry to say...
I did think that her association with me might help her be better regarded - but no, the opposite is happening (which I could manage by myself, if I put my mind to it) and I am - I hate to say it - being tarred with the same brush.

BUT the biggest worry - and I fear it is utterly unavoidable - is when baby is born; it will be awful either way (as I do not think she will be safe if allowed to come home).

OP posts:
DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 13:57

@Miasicarisatia

I don't think being semi supportive will work, this woman does not have the intellectual sophistication to perceive the nuances, she sees things in black and white terms and if you offer any help she will cling to you like a limpet. She's a vulnerable adult who needs professional support
Heck, a person doesn't have to be disabled not to read signs and understand nuances - but of course, you are right. She is quite simple and very very complicated - and makes life hard for herself. She does attach ( as that is part of her disability) - but then just switches to someone else if they suit her needs that day.

For example, I have not seen or heard her today (her house is literally 10 feet from mine and gates are side-by-side) - whereas yesterday, I saw her wherever I went, nand she would not give me - or W - a moment's peace (and he only has 40 minutes at home between work and another commitment (horses), and she insists on going round on some pretext --- or looking for me if I am not in or didn't answer the door).

It is acknowledged that she is vulnerable - but the support she gets is both not enough and more than she will accept.

OP posts:
Billandben444 · 12/05/2021 14:16

Can you move away?

Timper · 12/05/2021 14:23

I don’t see how your friends family financially cutting him has anything to do with this? It’s like you’re justifying having a friend in social housing.

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 14:27

@Billandben444

Can you move away?
Crazy as it sounds, I am thinking of it......

But I have been for some time (say, 9 years haha) - got ground down by life, so hard to take the necessary steps - even before the pandemic made just about everything 1000x harder.

OP posts:
Moondust001 · 12/05/2021 14:30

It goes against my nature to be unkind, and I do not believe in being "cruel to be kind" either.

It may go against your nature. But sometimes it really is the only and the best solution.

DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 14:31

@Timper

I don’t see how your friends family financially cutting him has anything to do with this? It’s like you’re justifying having a friend in social housing.
It doesn't - and I am I suppose - More particularly, THIS Social Housing. Just backstory really, same as the fact I live where I do (next door) as part of a downward spiral. If you knew where I lived, you would (might) understand.
OP posts:
DumbestBlonde · 12/05/2021 14:33

They didn't actually, technically, "cut him off" though. His father is just a selfish self-interested person.

OP posts:
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