to want to send a slightly stinging or even sarcastic reply to this text?

[eekareindeer]

Just got a text from my neighbour asking if I can babysit her two boys on Saturday 13th December. She is not a friend of mine, we just happen to be neighbours and have dcs of about the same age.

As it happens I cannot (because DH will be working, as he does almost every Saturday night) but I don't want to just reply "sorry but I can't"

It just annoys me no end that she assumes we won't be out doing something sociable and Christmassy, like the rest of the bloody country, on that particular Saturday before Christmas.

Oh dear I'm not explaining it very well but neighbour is very needy and asks a lot of favours and its just her assumption that I might want to babysit for her on that particular evening that is making me fume. I'm probably not making sense.

But would love to have a witty reply to send back as a text. Can any of you acerbic types help?

I would stick with 'Sorry, I'm busy'

Just politely say that you can't because your dh is working. Although she might then say, well could you have them at yours then?

not sure i understand why you want to be acerbic?? she's asking if you are free, not assuming you are isnt she? how else do you ask someone to babysit? why dont you just politely say you cant? you may want her to help you out someday.

I am usually acerbic but am feeling too nice today, sorry!

Just wanted to compliment your christmas name - is your normal name after eek-a-mouse? I nearly namechanged to that a while back then saw there was an eekamoose already.

Just reply normally! no need for sarcasm

or if you do her favours more than she does for you, why dont you offer to have the kids round yours in return for her babysitting another night and YOU go out and be festive (might cheer you up )

But you're not going to be out doing something sociable and Christmassy!

Don't worry controlfreaky - she already owes me an awful lot of favours .

I knew you wouldn't understand! But then you don't know her and you don't know me and I can't quite conjure up the nature of our relationship in words.

I had to resist the temptation to text back "is this a joke?"

Resist and just say you can't.
I wouldn't explain why. You don't need to.

Anarchy - yes I did love eek-a-mouse, mostly for his name, not his poetry. But then I also have a big soft spot for moose, I think they are gorgeous .

I get why you're peeved, I know someone who is like this. She just assumes all the time people will have her son, and never thinks that they may either be busy, or need her to look after theirs for a change. Its a complete lack of recognition that you might have needs at least the same or god forbid, bigger than hers!! Utterly selfish.

I'd send a text saying 'The 13th? OOOh you are going to struggle to find ANYONE to babysit for you at this time of year but good luck in your search!'

Well if you want to play hardball, just don't reply at all. Then she will be forced to come and see you and you can be all sarcastic in person. however agree with everyone else, Just Say No.

how about 'no, was hoping to call in a favour from you actually.

Some people do seem to take the piss a bit but maybe they assume that you will ask them for help when you need it in the same way they ask you.

I'm not very good at asking for help so it means I build up resentment of people asking me. I hate it about myself and try not to do it.

I think just text 'sorry. Can't. Busy.' No point stirring up bad feeling especially at this time of year. It'll only come back to haunt you.

Lol catsanddogs and catmandu.

You have both got your catty claws out tonight. Well done.

Text back saying "oh I was going to ask you the same thing for that night",if she goes out she won't know you didn't and if she stays in, just say you couldn't get a sitter either, oh well time of year I suppose.
Think she is bloody cheeky asking you by text anyway and not having the balls to ask face to face!

i am with Spidermama - am very similar myslef Spidermama

Spend my entire life NOT accepting ANY help from friends so that i will not be asked to do a favour back...dont know quite what that makes me - probably bloody insecure! hey ho

I'm bloody glad my neighbours don't have my mobile number-they probably text me rantings of how LOUD my children are.

Why give your neighbour your phone number? She's not your friend {confuddled}.

Have replied "Can't babysit I'm afraid".

Wanted to leave it at "Can't babysit" and NOT apologise but somehow couldn't bring myself to. For some reason I feel the need to say sorry when I'm not sorry at all, for goodness sake.

She deffo owes me on the babysitting stakes but I haven't asked her for months and months because I want to quietly let this arrangement drop.

Can't remember how we came to swap mobile numbers poshwellies .

"Think she is bloody cheeky asking you by text anyway and not having the balls to ask face to face!"

Onemalteaser, I almost always ask people to babysit by text (I am not the neighbour though ). The reason I do it is so that I don't put the person on the spot... they have the opportunity to think up an excuse. If you ask them face to face and they don't want to do it, politeness will often mean they feel they have to say yes.

Good on you for saying no, OP

same as you balloonslayer.. think people find it easier to say no ver text so it's kinder (in a weird way).. als o gives them time to think about it.