Dear DU: It's the neighbors again

[Missy Vixen]

Ooookay. I've written about our next-door-neighbors here before, namely the fact that they rehomed their dog with someone else after we indicated we would be more than happy to take the dog, and were given the impression he'd be living with us. Happily enough, we found another pup, and we have a sweet chocolate Lab named Moose whom we adore. If you want more of the story, please see http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=8704712

We have been avoiding the neighbors as a result. I thought it was the best solution. Obviously, we're not in a financial place to be able to put our house on the market right now; we just wanted to stay away from them. They saw our pup in the backyard on Sunday afternoon, and asked to be introduced. Since my husband is the king of diplomacy, he spoke to them, but he was cordial at best. It seems they've now decided it's time to make up.

My husband came in the house a few hours ago with a large bouquet of flowers and a card from them. The card's unbelievable. I am still shaking my head. Their excuse? "I was injured, so I haven't really been acting like myself lately." The injury must have been going on for the entire eight years we've lived next door to each other; this isn't the first time they've pulled this kind of stunt. Nothing about the dog. Nothing about the fact that the female neighbor acted like I was her personal servant. Her convalescence is taking much longer than either of them thought it would, which leads me to believe THIS is the reason why they suddenly want to be "friends" again -- she still can't drive.

Typically, I'd have all kinds of compassion. Right now, though, I'm fresh out. We're coming up on seven months of unemployment, for instance. We have our own problems. If we didn't, we make a point to treat other people the way we'd like to be treated ourselves.

Question: What would you do? My impulse is to write a short and sweet note thanking them for the flowers, and continuing to go about our lives.

What a pain in the ass.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. I'd have the same impulse.

Thanking them for a kind gesture is proper. While it's best to get along with neighbors but there's no need to call them friends. I'd feel free to keep my distance in spite of the flowers.

[Missy Vixen]

2. Thank you

You're right, it's best.

If I didn't care about having to live next door to them, I'd be marching over there in the morning to tell them exactly why I didn't want anything else to do with them. We do, so I'll be polite. ;-)

[graywarrior]

3. Sned them a note saying you are suffering from a severe case of resentment that will cause

you to act like a self centered asshole of a neighbor for another 8 years. End it with "See ya, suckers!"

[Missy Vixen]

4. LOL, Graywarrior!

We'll do our best to not act like self centered assholes. Unfortunately, our neighbors are, and therein lies the problem.

My best wishes to the duck! ;-)