New Neighbour & Food

[RandomUser1000]

I don't mean to be horrible but a new male neighbour recently knocked on my door to introduce himself and gave me a plate of food.

I wish I refused it but was being polite. Now I have a plate to return.

I don't mind someone introducing themselves but he's invited me over and asked me if I want more food.

I don't want food. I don't want new friends. I just want to live here without hassle.

This is the second time this happened this happened. Do people not realise that it's not a nice thing and makes people uncomfortable?

Years ago, when I lived at home, we had a Turkish family move in next door, and they would regularly give us a plate of food. It would be delicious barbecued meats, and salad. It was cultural, and a very nice thing to do. To be fair, it was the wife coming with the food, never the man.

I agree with this.

“Do people not realise that it's not a nice thing and makes people uncomfortable?”

Do you not realise you are in a minority and most people do find this a nice thing?

Now that I've had time to consider, it just seems like a lovely gesture and if it really was samosas - well, they wouldn't have touched the sides.

I'll eat anything.

Quite.

Speak for yourself, OP.

"Not a nice thing to do"? I mean, WTAF?! I've read it all on here now. No wonder the world is getting a sadder place, little by little.

I'm with you OP. It's nice enough to come and say hello and introduce himself but bringing food is presumptuous. I wouldn't eat food some random brought to my door so if I wasn't fast enough on my feet to mention allergies I'd accept it politely and tip it in the bin. You really cannot be too careful. I know people say it's totally paranoid but I don't care.

"You really cannot be too careful"?! Only on MN...

What a lovely thing to do. I'm sorry his gesture is unwelcome, I would have been delighted. I hope he finds the other neighbours more kindly.

Why? You're out in a bar and a random guy brings you a drink. Do you drink it? Why is it any different because this guy is her neighbour?

@Brainstorm23 re-read what you just wrote. I maintain you are bonkers.

Me too he sounds like he was brought up with manners. When I moved in a neighborhood brought me a cake. I couldn't eat but I thanked her and told her it was delicious and thoughtful when I returned the plate.

The world really is going to shit isn't it. People can't just accept a nice gesture and move on anymore.

I would argue, OP, that you ain't seen nuttin' yet. My plumber used to bring me bits of dead wild boar that he'd shot. Normal for Corsica.

When I was taking driving lessons here there was a young lad who used to go either before or after me and sit in the back seat because of the usual driving lesson scam of everybody piling in together and getting fifteen minutes less actual tuition who used to offer me birds. "My mum's taken the feathers off, Auntie."

I think it’s lovely. It’s just a gesture to let you know that he comes in peace. At the worst just say thanks and bin it if you must, but at least he’s not coming to moan about your plants/ parking / wall or whatever.
It gives people a sense of security to know their neighbours.

This. Hes just being friendly

I am wondering about the cultural background of the neighbourhood as it is very normal and lovely to offer food to neighbours in some communities. No need to be miserable about it

OP needs to see A Man called Ove 😁

I wouldn’t like this either and would find it intrusive- and i wouldn’t want to eat food from a random person.

I would be friendly to my neighbours though and chat to them when we pass - or help them, like clear leaves from outside their house while doing my own.

This Is a nice and kind thing to do. Pretty common in some areas. He wasn't hitting on you. I get the potential hygiene fear, but unless you only eat things lovingly prepared in your own kitchen you are running the risk of germs - do you never eat out? Have a takeaway? Eat a homemade cupcake someone takes to work?

Just bin the food, wash the plate and lie about bring allergic to whatever when you return it.

If the samosas were home made then YABU because they are a proper treat and really long and annoying to make.

Our neighbours moved in just before Christmas one year and I took them some homemade mince pies. I had no idea that anyone would think this was offensive in some way, or, indeed that I was attempting to poison them.

My neighbours invite the kids over to take some chocolate baubles off the tree every year. Do I accuse them of poisoning my kids now 😭

Oh gosh the community spirit is surely dead. Glad the majority of people disagree.

Well, now you know. Don’t ever do it again.
Save them for me instead! I would be so grateful.

When I was growing up (in the UK) my (British) grandparents regularly came home to a newspaper wrapped package on the doorstep. Trout, eel, rabbit, hare, deer, pig offal all from various neighbours. Very much appreciated and reciprocated with vegetables, cut dahlias or roses, or small carved wooden cups, vases or boxes.

I wish someone would give me free samosas.
Yabu, just bin the food, give the plate back and jog on.
Bet you are the kind of person who would also complain the neighbours were unfriendly if they never spoke to you.