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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Telling someone you are too busy for a visit but they turned up anyway

310 replies

Minniliscious · 19/11/2023 15:10

Just wanting to get some more views on this as I am feeling really bad right now.

DH and I booked Friday as leave to get things done around the house etc …. Car battery had gone flat and DH arranged for a neighbour to help with this. I was decluttering and deep cleaning ready for Christmas and making cupcakes for DS Christmas fayre at school. Just very busy all day with planned stuff to do.

A neighbour that I bump into now and then (wouldn’t say we know each other that well but are friendly) text me to say that she was bored and could she pop round for a cuppa and a chat (she had seen the car outside). I text back “Sorry but really not convenient today! We’ve booked the day off to declutter etc but let me know when you’re next free” I forgot about it and just carried on. An hour later, there’s a knock at the door and it’s her! She was like “Hi put the kettle on you sound like you need a break” I asked if she had got my text and she went “yeah but you’re not out out, you’re around so I won’t stay long.” I really didn’t know what to say , I was speechless. We walked through to the kitchen, I put the kettle on but suddenly felt really irritated and said “actually I really can’t stop for a cuppa, this is the only day I have to get things done. I did tell you that?” So with that, she huffily got up and said she wish she’d hadn’t bothered! I ended up apologising to her and saying I’d be in touch.

The more I think about it though, I just can’t believe someone would have the audacity to even do that? Was I being unreasonable by practically throwing her out??

OP posts:
SweetBirdsong · 19/11/2023 20:01

Absolutely YANBU @Minniliscious What a cheeky fecker. I used to know a woman like this - and tbh I ghosted her #sorrynotsorry ... She was someone who lived in my area (I met her at a hobby group.) She clung on to me for dear life, and rang me and texted me all the time. She regularly 'popped round' for coffee, after texting me and saying 'shall I pop round?' and being told NO I am busy/going out/going for a sleep/not well. Like your neighbour, she would say 'well I'll only stop half hour' and then she would stop 2 hours!

One time I was helping DD pack for uni, as she was going back the next day (after the Easter break.) This woman rang me (I didn't answer) and she left me a voicemail saying 'I will be there in 20 minutes for a coffee and a chat.' I texted her and said 'NO, I am busy today, please don't come today! My daughter is going back to uni, and we are very busy.' She ignored my text and came anyway. Me and DD were in the bedroom upstairs, DH had the car, and when I looked out of the landing window, I saw her coming up the road. I was like Angry FFS!!!

Anyway, I didn't answer the door and told DD to be quiet. She knocked for about 10 minutes! She came round the back, she knocked the front and back doors, she knocked every downstairs window, and went to the end of the back garden and stretched up to see if she could see in the upstairs windows! Shock She rang me again. I let it go to voicemail. Not sure if she heard the phone from outside, but at that point I didn't care, I was so angry.

The she left. Thank fuck. Half an hour later, a POLICEMAN turned up. Knocked the front door, and called through the letterbox - 'Mrs Birdsong are you OK?' The stupid bint had rung the police and said she believes I may have hurt myself and may be trapped in the house. I opened the door to him, and she was on the opposite side of the road watching. I said 'I am so sorry you have had your time wasted. I didn't answer to this woman because I am terribly busy and she refused to get the message - please don't come!' He was like Confused

She started to walk over and waved. I ushered the policeman in and shut the door in her face. She started fucking knocking! It was like a bad dream. She was like a stalker! 💀 I said 'please go out there and tell her I am fine and to stop knocking my door. She is actually hounding me now!' He went back out, and spoke to her. She left.

She didn't bother me for a few days, but them started ringing and texting! It was horrible. I was glad to leave the area. I left 6 or so months later. It honestly put me off becoming friends with ANYone who lives closeby again. Like a few other posters here, I never get involved with neighbours. No interest in being friends, or socialising with them. A Christmas card yes, and a 2 minute chat once or twice a month about the weather, and I will step up in an emergency, but that's it. No more.

ALSO, a couple of relatives (extended family) a few years ago, used to turn up at weekends (uninvited) and sit their arse down, demand a drink, eat half our food, and not go for 5-6 hours. They don't come often now. They won't 'pop in' uninvited if you're 2 hours away! Hardly see them now, thank fuck!

You can see who the entitled popper-inners are on this thread! 😆 'OP, you were rude to not let her in!' PMSL give over! She was not! 😂 As many posters have said, not wanting to socialise is a good enough reason not to! People don't need an excuse. It's OK to just say no! As I said, you can tell who the entitled 'popper-inners' are here! The ones who demand people drop everything for them, instantly! So arrogant!

AllAroundMyCat · 19/11/2023 20:06

I actually feel a bit lonely, if I’m honest. I’m fed up of having to check my diary for weeks in advance in order to catch up with a friend.
yes, there’s social media but things get misconstrued on SM( many threads on here about this.)

I do think that our detachment from social life is hampering us and causing anxiety because we’re alone and because we WANT, to be left alone.
just check out the number of threads where people won’t answer a phone call or won’t answer the door.

LylaLee · 19/11/2023 20:10

AllAroundMyCat · 19/11/2023 20:06

I actually feel a bit lonely, if I’m honest. I’m fed up of having to check my diary for weeks in advance in order to catch up with a friend.
yes, there’s social media but things get misconstrued on SM( many threads on here about this.)

I do think that our detachment from social life is hampering us and causing anxiety because we’re alone and because we WANT, to be left alone.
just check out the number of threads where people won’t answer a phone call or won’t answer the door.

There's a happy medium. It's not either "weeks in advance," or "just turn up" with no in-between.

There's nothing stopping you from messaging and saying can I come over tomorrow/ this evening/ in ten minutes.

The person might not be available, they might suggest an alternative time, they might not want to meet with you.

WickedSerious · 19/11/2023 20:36

ShadowCipher · 19/11/2023 19:26

On the flip side, 30mins cuppa and natter wouldent have took long,

It would've taken 30mins according to my calculations.

Minniliscious · 19/11/2023 20:46

@ShadowCipher but I didn’t want a cuppa and a natter? Had I have wanted that, I wouldn’t have started decluttering! I booked the day off for a specific reason - not to sit around with someone I don’t really like talking at me.

OP posts:
ShadowCipher · 19/11/2023 20:46

Minniliscious · 19/11/2023 20:46

@ShadowCipher but I didn’t want a cuppa and a natter? Had I have wanted that, I wouldn’t have started decluttering! I booked the day off for a specific reason - not to sit around with someone I don’t really like talking at me.

thats understandable, my apologies

Minniliscious · 19/11/2023 20:47

@SweetBirdsong oh my word!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🙈 That is just totally batshit crazy. I’d have moved away as well. Seriously, what is up with these people?

OP posts:
BMW6 · 19/11/2023 21:08

sweetbirdsong

Oh.My.Fucking.GOD !!!!!!!

giraffetrousers · 19/11/2023 22:54

@SweetBirdsong i am so sorry you went through that and I don’t blame you for keeping future neighbours at arms length - I’d do the same. See, maybe the “be kind” brigade might want to think about your experience and be KIND themselves and realise that there may be genuine reasons why a person doesn’t want a self absorbed neighbour (who isn’t even a friend!) barging in on them after they specifically said no!

It’s all very well lecturing others about being kind but there appears zero empathy for the actual person who is being put upon which is rather ironic.

Also, it’s never, ever “just 10 minutes” with people like this. They stay for ages and ages once they see you as their emotional dumpster

SweetBirdsong · 19/11/2023 23:34

@BMW6

@SweetBirdsong OH. My Fucking GOD!!!!!

I know right! Shock

@Minniliscious

@SweetBirdsong oh my word!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🙈 That is just totally batshit crazy. I’d have moved away as well. Seriously, what is up with these people?

Yep, she was batshit crazy. Calling the POLICE coz I didn't answer the door, and trying to reach up and peer through my upstairs windows, and knocking all the windows downstairs. I shit U not, it did feel like being stalked. I felt afraid to open my curtains for a number of weeks, in case her face was there! 😱

@giraffetrousers

@SweetBirdsong I am so sorry you went through that and I don’t blame you for keeping future neighbours at arms length - I’d do the same. See, maybe the “be kind” brigade might want to think about your experience and be KIND themselves and realise that there may be genuine reasons why a person doesn’t want a self absorbed neighbour (who isn’t even a friend!) barging in on them after they specifically said no!

It’s all very well lecturing others about being kind but there appears zero empathy for the actual person who is being put upon which is rather ironic.

Thank you. Flowers And yes an excellent point! The 'be kind' brigade seem to forget about being kind to the person being bothered by the needy person, and don't think about what the person being bothered may be going through. Why should the needy person's needs trump the other person's?

Also, as a number of posters have said, many people seem to expect women to 'be kind' and be nurturers and counselors for every waif and stray, and put everyones needs above themselves. Do men ever do this? Do they fuck. Are they ever expected to? Are they fuck!!!

@giraffetrousers

Also, it’s never, ever “just 10 minutes” with people like this. They stay for ages and ages once they see you as their emotional dumpster

Exactly this! Anyone and everyone who has pushed themselves in through our doorway and said they will only be 10 minutes/20 minutes, has always stayed anything between 4 to 8 times longer. And they spend 90% of the time talking about themselves!

Nevermind31 · 19/11/2023 23:50

I wouldn’t have even let her in… hi, oh sorry, we are busy. Bye, shut the door

haribosmarties · 20/11/2023 00:29

This is my actual worst nightmare.
Well done for having the guts to kick her out. I applaud anyone who has strong boundaries. It's been an issue in my life.
The be kind brigade seemingly don't understand what it feels like to be constantly invaded and manipulated via your initial kindness. It's like the energy vampires and narcissists can sense it and come flocking. I saulte anyone who stands up to these fuckers because I've always struggled with it.
I cannot imagine asking to see someone and being told they are busy then having the absolute audacity and self centredness to think 'oh that doesn't matter ill go over there and talk at them anyway' yet its happened to me.

stayathomer · 20/11/2023 05:02

It astonishes me that you actually think that op was the one in the wrong here.
Sometimes life isn’t right or wrong, it’s a snap/rash decision, the neighbour should have left her but when she didn’t I don’t think it’s the hugest thing in the world most people are saying for her to say just ten minutes so.

idealgift · 20/11/2023 06:14

stayathomer · 20/11/2023 05:02

It astonishes me that you actually think that op was the one in the wrong here.
Sometimes life isn’t right or wrong, it’s a snap/rash decision, the neighbour should have left her but when she didn’t I don’t think it’s the hugest thing in the world most people are saying for her to say just ten minutes so.

🤔

You have rather changed your tune in the space of a few hours. In your first post you definitely gave the impression that the Op was wrong and indeed managed a sweeping criticism of anyone not sharing your view

personally I think you were ruder! Lot of very over dramatic people on this thread!

GaggleTheGoose · 20/11/2023 06:15

Nice to know she only wants your company when she's bored!

user1492757084 · 20/11/2023 06:33

What a shock. I would not have let her in the door.
Feign a sore throat. Say you might be able to talk if you see her when you're feeling 100% fit.

stayathomer · 20/11/2023 07:03

You have rather changed your tune in the space of a few hours.
no, still the same opinion, the neighbour made a rash decision to come in as sometimes us human beings do, the op could have handled it better!!

LylaLee · 20/11/2023 07:04

user1492757084 · 20/11/2023 06:33

What a shock. I would not have let her in the door.
Feign a sore throat. Say you might be able to talk if you see her when you're feeling 100% fit.

Some natterers would love that.

SunRainStorm · 20/11/2023 07:20

My PIL did this.

Constantly popping in. Telling them I was busy or had other company was like a red flag to a bull. It would if anything, ensure an unwanted visit.

I'd text 'sorry no visits today, terrible night with the baby and I'm going to sleep when he does.' Lo and behold they'd pop up at the window offering to 'help'.

'Sorry, too busy for a visit today, my uni friends are coming over' queue MIL and FIL sitting between us on the sofa ten minutes later.

Some people honestly think what they feel like doing trumps everything else.

Derb · 20/11/2023 07:27

Good for you standing up for yourself.

I once had a friend/neighbour who would always turn up when she knew my DS was having a nap. It was the only time I got a minute to myself and she knew it.

LylaLee · 20/11/2023 07:33

SunRainStorm · 20/11/2023 07:20

My PIL did this.

Constantly popping in. Telling them I was busy or had other company was like a red flag to a bull. It would if anything, ensure an unwanted visit.

I'd text 'sorry no visits today, terrible night with the baby and I'm going to sleep when he does.' Lo and behold they'd pop up at the window offering to 'help'.

'Sorry, too busy for a visit today, my uni friends are coming over' queue MIL and FIL sitting between us on the sofa ten minutes later.

Some people honestly think what they feel like doing trumps everything else.

Did you ever speak up and put your foot down?

WhatNoRaisins · 20/11/2023 07:37

I always wonder with these people would being really blunt even work. I mean you could say

"What the hell are you thinking just plonking yourself in my house when I said no because I have plans with my uni friends? Are you on crack? Have your brains been hijacked by the little green men?"

Would it have any impact or would they just rationalise it as you having an off day and continue acting how they always did? I just don't get people who continue to behave in ways that multiple other people must be reacting badly to.

idealgift · 20/11/2023 07:58

stayathomer · 20/11/2023 07:03

You have rather changed your tune in the space of a few hours.
no, still the same opinion, the neighbour made a rash decision to come in as sometimes us human beings do, the op could have handled it better!!

compare

Sometimes life isn’t right or wrong

with

personally I think you were ruder! Lot of very over dramatic people on this thread! **

rather suggests you think the OP is “wrong”

idealgift · 20/11/2023 07:58

LylaLee · 20/11/2023 07:33

Did you ever speak up and put your foot down?

or indeed ask your husband to speak to his parents @SunRainStorm

ThePoetsWife · 20/11/2023 08:00

SunRainStorm · 20/11/2023 07:20

My PIL did this.

Constantly popping in. Telling them I was busy or had other company was like a red flag to a bull. It would if anything, ensure an unwanted visit.

I'd text 'sorry no visits today, terrible night with the baby and I'm going to sleep when he does.' Lo and behold they'd pop up at the window offering to 'help'.

'Sorry, too busy for a visit today, my uni friends are coming over' queue MIL and FIL sitting between us on the sofa ten minutes later.

Some people honestly think what they feel like doing trumps everything else.

Just lock the door and say no when they come.

Some people have no backbone ffs