Troublesome neighbours

AvAv

Hi all, could really use some help with this one.

There's a woman, about 50ish, who lives a couple of doors down from me. For the last 6 or so months she has taking to making smart comments after she walks by me in the street, but because i generally have headphones on I don't hear the exact words, only mutterings.

Last night when I was walking home without headphones, after she walked by me I heard "Nasty girl, you're a really nasty girl" and when i turned around, she legged it home.

It's starting to really upset me and I'm tired of just walking away or having to cross the road to avoid her.

Could anyone help me as what to say to her next time this happens so that the name calling stops?

I've never spoken to this woman before or caused her any trouble.

Thanks for your time

Taltos

OP no idea of your age.

If over 18 then to be honest I think your best bet may be to ignore her - she sounds like either there is something wrong with her or she is fixated on you.

If these incidents escalate then I would suggest keeping a log and speaking to your gardai - but for the moment I would just blank her.
However - if you hear her say anything again - I would challenge her on it and threaten her with legal action for libel (just to scare her...).

World is full of crazies - sounds like your neighbour is one of them...

If you are < 18 - then you need to talk to your parents.

moco

Are you sure she’s talking to you and not herself?

She could have mental problems. I had a woman verbally attack me on the tube the other day telling me to leave her alone, then she ran off.. even though I wasn’t doing anything…

Maybe the next time you see her, take your earphones out to see if what she’s saying is actually aimed at you, and take it from there.

Columc

Next time she does it just stand up straight, look at her and say excuse me? If she actually says something back to you, just ask her what her problem with you is and why does she find a need to mutter abuse at you.

Notin else you can do other then stand up and confront her.

Storminateacup

I'd for sure turn the ipod off as soon as you see her, so as you can hear what she says?
She does sound slightly unhinged however, so its not gonna do you much good to get into a confrontation with her.

Keep a log of what she does/says, and maybe consider speaking to the guards if it gets worse perhaps?

Maybe the next time she says something as you walk past, just ask her (calmly!) is she ok?

Miss Fluff

Are you sure she's not mentally unhinged? Sounds to me like she's just chicken oriental. In which case simply ignore her, you'll probably find she does it to everyone.

chloek

I think she is probably mentally unstable, best to ignore her. If you engage in a conversation with her it will get worse.

Curry Addict

why on earth would you be worried about what someone you dont know thinks of you?
just walk by and smile, she obviously has issues.

wild_cat

I'd say she's not all there op. Best to just ignore it.

We had one neighbour that accused me several times of keeping pet sea gulls that were ruining every ones gardens..... I almost rang the HSE after she knocked on the door at 11.30 one Sunday night saying everyone was talking about it.

They were nesting in the chimney of the house behind us.

Couple of other stories of what other house mates witnessed.... like repeatedly blowing her horn at cars that were just stopping to let someone out etc... This was when her car was stationary.

We just laughed it off. Not nice but its all we could do.

Sardonicat

She does sound very unwell, OP, and more to be pitied than feared or mocked. I wouldn't confront her or approach her, though, just to be on the safe side, as you don't know what the matter with her is or what is motivating her to make these comments.

Does she live on her own? If so, perhaps a phone call to the HSE might be in order. She may need some help.

mikemac

You should move to Galway OP, it's full of these characters.

Don't take any meaning for this comment about being nasty, seems she is unhinged but harmless.
Does she have a carer? Do you see anyone around the house with her?