Pushy Neighbour

[curiouskatie]

I work from home three days a week so I am in the house on my own for most of the time. One of my neighbours is a housewife and she is always calling round out of the blue for coffee etc. I've tried to be polite and explain that I have a job to do, or made excuses like I'm going out etc, but she won't get the hint. She got into the habit of just coming through the back door without knocking, so now I keep it locked! What's the best way of putting her off calling round all the time without creating a row and making living next door to her very uncomfortable?

[sleepyj]

katie you only had to tell me you dont want me around anymore why ask on here . when you go away next time im not looking after your house lol

[crete]

hide in the bathroom

[IggyB]

surely just telling her you work from home on say tuesday, wednesday and thursday so you can't have company on those days between 9 and 6 but you'd love to catch up any other time would be enough... maybe tell her that when you have invited her over for tea and biscuits one day

[Hellion]

My husband has a similar problem - he's a musician and his studio is at home. We made a big notice to put on the door saying 'Sorry I'm unavailable right now as I'm working - please do not disturb'. It worked just fine.

[sleepyj]

next time she comes round just dont answer it . she will soon get the hint .

[redhead23]

post a note on the door saying - no housewifes or dogs please

i find this has always worked for me

falling that say you have the decorators in or you have bse then she will avoid you

[scotchollie]

I often bring the subject of my faith up - and ask troublesome guests if they have heard about the power of Jesus, etc.

Generally, it's incredibly effective, especially when I bring the bible out and suggest we go somewhere quiet to pray.

[Cheekystar]

what about having a heart to heart saying you find it difficult to work from home due to distractions and ask her advice on what yu could do

[Rubyrose]

Try opening the door in just a towel and tell her you are having a bath! Or everytime she knocks, pick up the house phone and make out you are chatting to someone. If you do that everytime.. she might get the message. Or.... you could just tell her that you do like these little chats but you work from home and really need to get your work done.

[sleepyj]

red would you do the same if it was a man . no house husbands

[redhead23]

lol sleepy take a guess mate - i would welcome him into the bussom of my home ! lol

[society]

... easy solution for your problem. Lock all doors, when she comes around don't answer. This I'm sure will happen a couple times, then when you do see her she would mention to you she was around and no one answered. Now you have the perfect opportunity to let her know that you do not like to be disturb during your working hours. Or be up-front and tell her without locking the doors scenario

Good luck Kate!

[skyep]

curiouskatie - Get yourself a wireless cctv camera & ignore the door! Problem fixed!

[ne2]

Katie, Just tell her politely again that you really are busy then suggest you go to her's one day in the week.

[netibiza]

Tell her you are busy, that you would love a coffee another day and that you'll call her!

[sunday]

It's best to tell your neighbour the truth. No other story is better than the truth.

[Miss Random]

In truth I would follow Cheekystar's advice.... but.... just for fun, try this:
Keep some really smelly rubber gloves by the door (stained) and answer the door wearing them whilst holding a bag of saline (or jug of water) and a length of hosepipe.
Say 'ooops sorry, just about to do some colonic irrigation. Would she like some coffee or can she call later!!' ... bet she starts making an appointment after that!
lol