To tell this nosy neighbour to mind her own?

[LynnThese4reSEXPEOPLE]

We live in a small village, most people (including us) go to church and there is a lot of cross pollination amongst various groups e.g. WI, traffic watch etc.

As a family, we have had a stressful 4 months (see other threads for details), and I have spent a huge amount of time dealing with various legal issues.

One of the villagers, who is an acquaintance rather than a friend of the family, has been regularly texting and emailing me in poorly veiled terms to find out what is going on. For context, the only other emails I have ever received have been strictly business to do with rotas. I've replied twice, politely but firmly that we are intensely private as a family and have asked that this is respected.

I've had yet another email today "not wanting to pry but..."

AIBU to take a more robust stance and tell this person to mind their own business?

Just ignore the email! Sounds like you have a lot on. Don’t reward them by spending energy on them

First post nails it. Ignore.

Agree with the previous post. You've told her politely to mind her own business, she knows and has chosen to keep digging. Just stop replying to her emails

YANBU. Ignore this nosy neighbour's email(s) and any other prying. You are not obliged to respond to anyone. Otherwise, enjoy yourself by sending an appropriately witty, to-the-point emoji, meme or gif.

Perhaps something from The Thick of It...😂

Thanks Joan,

I would indeed prefer that you do not pry, thanks for your understanding

Lynn

Email addresses can be blocked, as can phone numbers and texts. If they enquire why the response is that they failed to respect your boundaries.

This is what stops me from wanting to live rurally. I couldn’t deal with people like this and remain civil.

I would be tempted to tell her to fuck herself but I guess in a small community you can’t.

Absolutely do not respond - at all.
This is your own boundary.
She will be waiting for your reply, but you just won’t respond to her bidding.
Imagine how frustrated she will feel…your non-response gives her an answer.

(Have done similar myself, it’s very satisfying in the face of difficulties)

Ignore. The only way around that is for him or her to actually ask you whether you received their inappropriately nosey email. Enabling you to shut it down in person - ‘I’d really rather not discuss it if that’s ok’, and then just stop talking and smile while they squirm and try to pretend their motives for enquiring were much more noble than just trying to get the inside track on the village gossip.

block them

Knock on her door wearing a halloween costume and start growling

"As I've said before, I'm not going to get into it, but your concern is noted"

I do have a Grim Reaper costume...

Send them the Michael Caine “i am a nosy neighbour” clip

What is she actually asking about? Is it something really personal or something not particularly personal but that you are seeing as more personal than it is? I’m curious if it’s her or you 🤣