Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
42
New Couple In Town Expects Warm Welcome, Neighbors Remind Them They’re Not In A Hallmark Movie
Interview With Expert
Owning a little house in the countryside—sounds like a dream, right? Beautiful views, peace and quiet, and a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other.
That’s exactly what one couple from London had in mind when they bought a holiday home by the sea. Eager to settle in, they went out of their way to meet every neighbor and made as many friends as possible.
But life isn’t quite like a Hallmark movie, and their over-the-top enthusiasm didn’t land well. Now, the locals aren’t sure what to do with this family they can’t stand.
Read on for the full story and expert advice from world-leading etiquette consultant Jo Hayes on the dos and don’ts of getting along with neighbors.
More info: Mumsnet
RELATED:
A couple from London bought a new home and made it their mission to befriend every neighbor
Image credits: halfpoint / envatoelements (not the actual photo)
But life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and their over-the-top enthusiasm didn’t land well
Image credits: benzoix / freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: IMustConfess
Expert advice
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
Bored Panda spoke with Jo Hayes, a world-leading etiquette expert, consultant, lifestyle commentator, and founder of EtiquetteExpert.Org, for her perspective on the matter.
“While I appreciate the sincerity and initiative of this couple, it seems they’re coming on a bit too hard, too fast, in their efforts to establish connections and community in this village,†Hayes told us. “When it comes to building relationships, easy does it.â€
“Anything that feels overly pushy or forceful puts people off,†she said.
Hayes noted that rural villages like these are often home to residents who have lived there for decades—or, in some cases, their entire lives. These communities typically have long-standing friendships, established customs, and unspoken norms for how things are done.
As a result, they can be cautious—if not outright wary—of newcomers, especially those who arrive with too much enthusiasm.
In this case, the etiquette expert recommends approaching the locals at a reasonable, gradual pace.
Start small. Introduce yourself to just a few neighbors, perhaps two or three, and ask about local events or activities. “But don’t behave in a way that suggests you expect to become best friends with everyone in a week,†Hayes advised.
“Authentic connections and a sense of community take time,†she added. “Once you’ve been part of the area for a while and have naturally established rapport with others, that’s the time to consider hosting a dinner party or gathering with a few locals.â€
Remember to maintain healthy boundaries. “Don’t expect neighbors to hand over their mobile numbers immediately,†Hayes said. “If and when you’ve built enough of a connection to swap numbers, don’t abuse that privilege—text or call only sparingly.â€
“Don’t do things like this woman did—messaging her neighbor to let them know she’s arrived safely. That kind of behavior implies a level of closeness that isn’t there and feels like an overstep of boundaries.â€
A friendly wave while passing on the street is perfectly neighborly. There’s no need to stop and chat every time you cross paths.
“Use common sense, common wisdom, and intuition to gauge the feel of neighbors and the town,†Hayes concluded. “Again, go gently. Gale-force winds destroy things. A gentle breeze is pleasant and makes people feel safe and comfortable. Aim to be the gentle breeze.â€
While some readers thought the couple came on too strong, others felt they should have been given a chance
What do you think ?
Chich 1 month ago
You live in a quiet community because you want a quiet life. You are choosy about who you befriend and take your time about it. The last thing you want is for someone to push themselves on you (no matter how well meaning) and you become a tour guide and/or everyone ostracizes you along with them if they are too pushy.
María Hermida 1 month ago
That's exactly what I was thinking. I'm an introvert. I want a quiet life. If I wanted to live in a city and have a thousand activities, I'd move to a big city. I've actually lived in big cities in three different continents and I know for sure I don't like that lifestyle. I'm planning to move to my parents' village, where you can take the dogs for a walk in the woods for two hours and bump into nobody, or just one or two people. The last thing I want is a pushy neighbour who's knocking on my door all day and talks endlessly. Sorry, if you want entertainment go somewhere else. Don't take me wrong. If you need help or there's an emergency, do knock on my door, any day, any time. Day or night. But just for a chat? Five minutes every now and then, fine. Every day? Don't count on me.
Load More Replies...
Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 month ago (edited)
No one else owes you entertainment. The newbies need to respect that friendship and community is earned, not granted. This is adulthood and precious free time should not be wasted. Go to the pub. If you hit it off with someone, invite them to something. Accept a no. You can try again another day if you earn more trust. Never invite yourself into their lives. If I invited you to my book club and you demanded we change the time because you might attend 20% of the sessions, you are never invited back.
VW Panda 1 month ago (edited)
Spot on. Try actually doing something for the community based on your understanding of what is most valued in that community, and not expecting to glom on to others.Stop treating everyone like service workers fawning over your wealth and privilege.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 1 month ago
I guess maybe there’s a happy medium that people need to find, when it comes to being the new kids in town. Don’t be overbearing, but do be friendly. Just don’t latch on to someone and make them your tour guide who arranges their entertainment and introduces them to everyone else in town. I guess just move in, do your own thing, check with city hall or the local paper to see if they have a calendar of local events, take long walks to explore the area, introduce yourself, and just be normally pleasant and friendly. If people take a liking to you, great. If they don’t, oh well. Just be yourself, toned down if necessary, and give it some time. Small town people live at a slower pace than city people. If you come on too strong too fast, they will recoil from you, and you might never be accepted.
Traveling Lady Railfan 1 month ago
This reminds me of what I've heard happens often in Canada Atlantic provinces. People (often from Ontario) move there, lured by the lower cost of living and the "super friendly people", then immediately expect to be included in everything going on, like 'family'. Inevitably they're disappointed that the whole town didn't greet them with open arms. Meanwhile the town is struggling with the mass influx of people moving in, rising property costs, lack of housing, rising rent, fewer jobs and "greeting the new neighbor burnout".
Michael MacKinnon 1 month ago
"People (often from Ontario))...." You mean Ducking Upper Canadians?
Load More Replies...
MegDragon 1 month ago (edited)
I was raised in just this sort of place and in that case there was a strong prejudice against newcomers, especially those who acted like they were in a Hallmark movie. Speaking only for my immediate area, it was mostly to do with the fact that living conditions were tough (extreme weather, struggling economy, lack of infrastructure, scant resources), and people who had been coping with that for decades felt they had earned their place. Then waltzes in someone who has the financial ability to bypass that whole process, and the audacity to be tickled at the novelty of it all. I can understand how that rankles the locals. Especially if the new neighbors then can’t adapt and turn to the strangers around them for free assistance. Trying to blend in and make friends around your summer home is a lovely goal, but if you want to get anywhere with the locals, you need to have respect for what they’ve sacrificed to be there and accept the fact that your life and theirs don’t have much in common.
Lyoness 1 month ago
I agree with your sentiments entirely. It's the same tone deafness we saw with celebrities during the pandemic.
Load More Replies...
Janissary35680 1 month ago (edited)
"We're having a "Wicker Man/Harvest Home" themed block party next weekend. Would you like to attend as guests of honor?
Secret Squirrel 1 month ago
This woman clearly hasn't made friends before and she's trying something new, but doesn't seem the signs that it isn't working. She thinks she and OP are super close and hit it off, enough to encourage her kid to seek her out OP. She probably hasn't noved on her own before. Maybe she lives in the same neighborhood she grew up on, maybe she moved in with husband and just adopted his friends. Clearly she's trying but doesn't pick up on the awkwardness she's causing. My mom is exactly like this, and it really wasn't until she was diagnosed as autistic that I didn't resent her for it. She was so embarrassing and was always confused when I'd try and talk to her about it. The new neighbours will either tolerate her and she'll be none the wiser or it'll come to a head and they will tell her to back off and she will be completely blind sided. Luckily kids are grown so they won't have to go to town functions embarrassed.
Michael MacKinnon 1 month ago
This sounds like the follow-on to an "Escape to the Country" episode.
Hodge Elmwood 1 month ago
It sounds like OP's community doesn't actually HAVE much going on. Point that out to these part-time people and also tell them nicely that they're coming on too strong, and people in your area prefer peace and quiet. OP sounds a bit of a recluse, really.
FreeTheUnicorn 1 month ago
It sounds to me like the woman OP is describing was told this is how you make friends and be a apart of the community and is following the advice to the letter. I suspect she's on the spectrum, but the real issue is that she looks down on the people of the small town. She thinks she's en5itled to special treatment because she comes from London. Fair enough introducing yourself, but it doesn't sound like she's pursuing any activities that help the community, just the fun social ones. If you want to show a commitment to your town, do the hard stuff. Volunteer for things to support the school or whatever festival the town does. Clean up after town meetings, set up the hall for craft fairs (and buy something). Eventually, people will understand that you care about the place and don't just expect free entertainment. Host a barbeque, or some party. Nothing builds good will like being fed and watered.
María Hermida 1 month ago
She might be on the spectrum, but I know a lot of neurotypical people who are so self-centred they don't get hints either.
Load More Replies...
Pyla 1 month ago
I live in Washington state in the US where the general culture is “who the hěll are you? And don’t come to my house.”
Aline 1 month ago
Vermont and Alaska you'd be fine, but the one time, or with an invitation - in having a get together this weekend, you should come. Bringing food and drink is ok too, if it's around an occasion. Not I came to see what you are doing and how it can amuse me. Can't imagine sending my kid to someone's house like that. If they didn't give you their number, they don't want to see you.
Load More Replies...
UncleJohn3000 1 month ago
"Mary, I understand you're trying to join the community but you are way overrunning my boundaries. Hope you have a pleasant spring and maybe I'll see you next season."
kath morgan 1 month ago
That sounds like a nightmare to me, don’t knock on my door to entertain yourself!
Aline 1 month ago
I think the woman. Has not had friends before, and is seeing this as a new start/new chance to make some. She clearly doesn't pick up on social cues, so she may be autistic and not know she's acting so entitled. Best thing is to direct her to do something helpful for the town. Get her to focus on opportunities to support events like town Christmas or New Year celebrations, or beach clean/land equivalent.join the friends of the local river/mountain/nature society. But the kindest thing to explain is that it takes years to be part of a community, and she's slowing her own progress by being pushy. Try hosting or joining groups that advertise, swimming or walking groups for older folks, go to craft fairs, but you can't force people to pretend you're a local. Best you can hope for is better fond of you as a visitor.
Denise Melek 1 month ago
Do that in Northern Germany and people will soon hide if they see you from afar. I would, too.
JB 1 month ago (edited)
I’ve told this story before so won’t go into a lot of detail. I’ve never been the type to befriend my neighbours (introvert) and met my current neighbours when they let themselves into my backyard to prune bushes. After a brief conversation where they explained they had an agreement with the former owner and I explained it wasn’t an agreement with me, for reasons only known to them, they ‘adopted’ me. I’ve been introduced to other neighbours who look out for each other. They text me when they’re having folks over (in case I’m interested in joining), having work done or going away so I can keep an eye on their place. It’s uncomfortable yet nice. I’m still not used to having people close by who choose to care about me. These UK neighbours in the post have come in too hard but they’re trying. That goes a long way in my book. Sure, I’d point out that the book club meets won’t be planned around vacation visits and we aren’t going to be BFFs any time soon but their attitude is so much better than the stereotypical Londoner who buys a holiday home then treats all the neighbours as bucolic scenery.
Karen Shinn 1 month ago
We've lived in this small town since 2005. I tried to join the town FB page and was denied because I'm not FROM here. So I just MYOB now about the whole bunch. A few are friendly, the rest are clannish. Good thing I like to read and do things at home
Gwyn 1 month ago (edited)
As an introvert living in a town where people are a lot like these locals, I would love it if this lady decided to befriend me. Why would I turn away someone who is a decent person and making an effort to develop friendships? If you don't mesh with her then just be honest that you don't want to hang out, you don't have to be a jerk.
margaret carradus 1 month ago
I've lived in my village for fifty years and still don't think of myself as a local. If you don't go back three generations here you're an incomer! But een I hate the way the real incomers try to change things to fit their own agenda.
Tony Zecco 1 month ago
The neighbor sounds like a chore honestly. I wouldn't want to deal with that at all.
KatSaidWhat 1 month ago
I'd send an email with a whole lot of links to event pages, etc. It's exhausting when people expect you to provide their entertainment for them.
Plant Wizard 1 month ago
Typical Britain. Move to a new place it takes ages for the locals to warm up to you. Sometimes the never do. When we first moved to a village in Dorset no one would talk to us, their children were not allowed to play with me (I was 3 at the time) on one came to my 4th birthday party. A friend I knew later when I grew into a young adult lived in a different village. He was called the 'outsider' and not treated as part of the village. He had, by then, lived there for over 30 years.
Mark Childers 1 month ago
"Friendly" neighbors can be a challenge. In my old townhouse complex, I knew several neighbors, and they wanted to have long chats everytime we ran into each other, I was constantly asked to dog sit and house sit (they were all older), and they played "show and tell" with me all the time, not taking no for an answer if they bought something new. I would have to hear all about it and go into their homes to see it and "ooh" and "ahh" over it. It was tedious. I know no one in my current townhome complex, but I wave to neighbors to be friendly. I think that's as close as I want to get here.
Barbara Williams 1 month ago
How did these new neighbors get your contact information? I certainly wouldn't be giving out my personal information to someone I barely know
sofacushionfort 1 month ago
“I want you to be my friend not because I like you, but because I believe that I deserve your friendship.” Why should this be anymore acceptable as neighbors than it is in dating?
Arabiata Arabiata 1 month ago
With this behaviour they only disgust themselves. They have to build trust and good relations with their neighbours slowly. Saying hello their immediate neighbours, exchanging a few words, is a good start.
Panda Panda Bo Banda 1 month ago
Sounds like Main Character Syndrome. They think the "bumpkins" will be thrilled to make friends with a couple of Londoners.
sweet emotion 1 month ago
Suggest that they check in with the local church or community center if they want to get "involved" in the community. Here in the US, my mother's first step when she moved to a new city was to register with her chosen church, and when we were young she also volunteered at the schools. It never took her long after that to feel like she was part of the community.
Abraxas59 1 month ago (edited)
I live in a stunning little costswolds village been here ten years I’m from born n bred can’t stand towns or bloody townies they do my head so stuck up second home owners is very wrong to unfair on locals n I’m in housing association lol only one of three in the village we have a few second home owners op the church from USA aus n London non of us know em bar my 23yr old daughter as works in the pub here they are obnoxious lol think having house in the countryside makes em special nope dudes it really don’t ! townies should dm well stay in the towns ok as tourists just lol but pushing up house prices and taking it from locals just no ! I’m a full on county lass almost 60 I’ve lived in towns for a bit eight to peopley there lol I like my peace n quiet at the end of the village I’m now housebound to only to have a second home owner from London being like ops neighbour JUST NO
María Hermida 1 month ago
Jesus Christ!!! Buy at least a dozen full stops AND USE THEM. Your post is totally unreadable.
Load More Replies...
Angela C 1 month ago
Is it so hard to believe that people from other countries can be rude àssholes, too?
Load More Replies... RedMarbles 1 month ago (edited)
We just had an election where educated, reasonable people were clanging alarm bells about the risk of permanent damage to American democracy that got dismissed as arrogance and elitism by their fellow citizens because that's how it was characterized by certain sources who use the tried-and-true method of making their listeners angry and telling them they are being insulted by smarty pants to distract from the danger. It's not gonna work out so well for the vast majority of us American citizens. (Edited to remove an apostrophe.)
Load More Replies... zims 1 month ago
What about someone living in a rural village screams "wealthy elite" to you?
Load More Replies... Chich 1 month ago
You live in a quiet community because you want a quiet life. You are choosy about who you befriend and take your time about it. The last thing you want is for someone to push themselves on you (no matter how well meaning) and you become a tour guide and/or everyone ostracizes you along with them if they are too pushy.
María Hermida 1 month ago
That's exactly what I was thinking. I'm an introvert. I want a quiet life. If I wanted to live in a city and have a thousand activities, I'd move to a big city. I've actually lived in big cities in three different continents and I know for sure I don't like that lifestyle. I'm planning to move to my parents' village, where you can take the dogs for a walk in the woods for two hours and bump into nobody, or just one or two people. The last thing I want is a pushy neighbour who's knocking on my door all day and talks endlessly. Sorry, if you want entertainment go somewhere else. Don't take me wrong. If you need help or there's an emergency, do knock on my door, any day, any time. Day or night. But just for a chat? Five minutes every now and then, fine. Every day? Don't count on me.
Load More Replies... Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 month ago (edited)
No one else owes you entertainment. The newbies need to respect that friendship and community is earned, not granted. This is adulthood and precious free time should not be wasted. Go to the pub. If you hit it off with someone, invite them to something. Accept a no. You can try again another day if you earn more trust. Never invite yourself into their lives. If I invited you to my book club and you demanded we change the time because you might attend 20% of the sessions, you are never invited back.
VW Panda 1 month ago (edited)
Spot on. Try actually doing something for the community based on your understanding of what is most valued in that community, and not expecting to glom on to others.Stop treating everyone like service workers fawning over your wealth and privilege.
Load More Replies... Tabitha 1 month ago
I guess maybe there’s a happy medium that people need to find, when it comes to being the new kids in town. Don’t be overbearing, but do be friendly. Just don’t latch on to someone and make them your tour guide who arranges their entertainment and introduces them to everyone else in town. I guess just move in, do your own thing, check with city hall or the local paper to see if they have a calendar of local events, take long walks to explore the area, introduce yourself, and just be normally pleasant and friendly. If people take a liking to you, great. If they don’t, oh well. Just be yourself, toned down if necessary, and give it some time. Small town people live at a slower pace than city people. If you come on too strong too fast, they will recoil from you, and you might never be accepted.
Traveling Lady Railfan 1 month ago
This reminds me of what I've heard happens often in Canada Atlantic provinces. People (often from Ontario) move there, lured by the lower cost of living and the "super friendly people", then immediately expect to be included in everything going on, like 'family'. Inevitably they're disappointed that the whole town didn't greet them with open arms. Meanwhile the town is struggling with the mass influx of people moving in, rising property costs, lack of housing, rising rent, fewer jobs and "greeting the new neighbor burnout".
Michael MacKinnon 1 month ago
"People (often from Ontario))...." You mean Ducking Upper Canadians?
Load More Replies... MegDragon 1 month ago (edited)
I was raised in just this sort of place and in that case there was a strong prejudice against newcomers, especially those who acted like they were in a Hallmark movie. Speaking only for my immediate area, it was mostly to do with the fact that living conditions were tough (extreme weather, struggling economy, lack of infrastructure, scant resources), and people who had been coping with that for decades felt they had earned their place. Then waltzes in someone who has the financial ability to bypass that whole process, and the audacity to be tickled at the novelty of it all. I can understand how that rankles the locals. Especially if the new neighbors then can’t adapt and turn to the strangers around them for free assistance. Trying to blend in and make friends around your summer home is a lovely goal, but if you want to get anywhere with the locals, you need to have respect for what they’ve sacrificed to be there and accept the fact that your life and theirs don’t have much in common.
Lyoness 1 month ago
I agree with your sentiments entirely. It's the same tone deafness we saw with celebrities during the pandemic.
Load More Replies... Janissary35680 1 month ago (edited)
"We're having a "Wicker Man/Harvest Home" themed block party next weekend. Would you like to attend as guests of honor?
Secret Squirrel 1 month ago
This woman clearly hasn't made friends before and she's trying something new, but doesn't seem the signs that it isn't working. She thinks she and OP are super close and hit it off, enough to encourage her kid to seek her out OP. She probably hasn't noved on her own before. Maybe she lives in the same neighborhood she grew up on, maybe she moved in with husband and just adopted his friends. Clearly she's trying but doesn't pick up on the awkwardness she's causing. My mom is exactly like this, and it really wasn't until she was diagnosed as autistic that I didn't resent her for it. She was so embarrassing and was always confused when I'd try and talk to her about it. The new neighbours will either tolerate her and she'll be none the wiser or it'll come to a head and they will tell her to back off and she will be completely blind sided. Luckily kids are grown so they won't have to go to town functions embarrassed.
Michael MacKinnon 1 month ago
This sounds like the follow-on to an "Escape to the Country" episode.
Hodge Elmwood 1 month ago
It sounds like OP's community doesn't actually HAVE much going on. Point that out to these part-time people and also tell them nicely that they're coming on too strong, and people in your area prefer peace and quiet. OP sounds a bit of a recluse, really.
FreeTheUnicorn 1 month ago
It sounds to me like the woman OP is describing was told this is how you make friends and be a apart of the community and is following the advice to the letter. I suspect she's on the spectrum, but the real issue is that she looks down on the people of the small town. She thinks she's en5itled to special treatment because she comes from London. Fair enough introducing yourself, but it doesn't sound like she's pursuing any activities that help the community, just the fun social ones. If you want to show a commitment to your town, do the hard stuff. Volunteer for things to support the school or whatever festival the town does. Clean up after town meetings, set up the hall for craft fairs (and buy something). Eventually, people will understand that you care about the place and don't just expect free entertainment. Host a barbeque, or some party. Nothing builds good will like being fed and watered.
María Hermida 1 month ago
She might be on the spectrum, but I know a lot of neurotypical people who are so self-centred they don't get hints either.
Load More Replies... Pyla 1 month ago
I live in Washington state in the US where the general culture is “who the hěll are you? And don’t come to my house.”
Aline 1 month ago
Vermont and Alaska you'd be fine, but the one time, or with an invitation - in having a get together this weekend, you should come. Bringing food and drink is ok too, if it's around an occasion. Not I came to see what you are doing and how it can amuse me. Can't imagine sending my kid to someone's house like that. If they didn't give you their number, they don't want to see you.
Load More Replies... UncleJohn3000 1 month ago
"Mary, I understand you're trying to join the community but you are way overrunning my boundaries. Hope you have a pleasant spring and maybe I'll see you next season."
kath morgan 1 month ago
That sounds like a nightmare to me, don’t knock on my door to entertain yourself!
Aline 1 month ago
I think the woman. Has not had friends before, and is seeing this as a new start/new chance to make some. She clearly doesn't pick up on social cues, so she may be autistic and not know she's acting so entitled. Best thing is to direct her to do something helpful for the town. Get her to focus on opportunities to support events like town Christmas or New Year celebrations, or beach clean/land equivalent.join the friends of the local river/mountain/nature society. But the kindest thing to explain is that it takes years to be part of a community, and she's slowing her own progress by being pushy. Try hosting or joining groups that advertise, swimming or walking groups for older folks, go to craft fairs, but you can't force people to pretend you're a local. Best you can hope for is better fond of you as a visitor.
Denise Melek 1 month ago
Do that in Northern Germany and people will soon hide if they see you from afar. I would, too.
JB 1 month ago (edited)
I’ve told this story before so won’t go into a lot of detail. I’ve never been the type to befriend my neighbours (introvert) and met my current neighbours when they let themselves into my backyard to prune bushes. After a brief conversation where they explained they had an agreement with the former owner and I explained it wasn’t an agreement with me, for reasons only known to them, they ‘adopted’ me. I’ve been introduced to other neighbours who look out for each other. They text me when they’re having folks over (in case I’m interested in joining), having work done or going away so I can keep an eye on their place. It’s uncomfortable yet nice. I’m still not used to having people close by who choose to care about me. These UK neighbours in the post have come in too hard but they’re trying. That goes a long way in my book. Sure, I’d point out that the book club meets won’t be planned around vacation visits and we aren’t going to be BFFs any time soon but their attitude is so much better than the stereotypical Londoner who buys a holiday home then treats all the neighbours as bucolic scenery.
Karen Shinn 1 month ago
We've lived in this small town since 2005. I tried to join the town FB page and was denied because I'm not FROM here. So I just MYOB now about the whole bunch. A few are friendly, the rest are clannish. Good thing I like to read and do things at home
Gwyn 1 month ago (edited)
As an introvert living in a town where people are a lot like these locals, I would love it if this lady decided to befriend me. Why would I turn away someone who is a decent person and making an effort to develop friendships? If you don't mesh with her then just be honest that you don't want to hang out, you don't have to be a jerk.
margaret carradus 1 month ago
I've lived in my village for fifty years and still don't think of myself as a local. If you don't go back three generations here you're an incomer! But een I hate the way the real incomers try to change things to fit their own agenda.
Tony Zecco 1 month ago
The neighbor sounds like a chore honestly. I wouldn't want to deal with that at all.
KatSaidWhat 1 month ago
I'd send an email with a whole lot of links to event pages, etc. It's exhausting when people expect you to provide their entertainment for them.
Plant Wizard 1 month ago
Typical Britain. Move to a new place it takes ages for the locals to warm up to you. Sometimes the never do. When we first moved to a village in Dorset no one would talk to us, their children were not allowed to play with me (I was 3 at the time) on one came to my 4th birthday party. A friend I knew later when I grew into a young adult lived in a different village. He was called the 'outsider' and not treated as part of the village. He had, by then, lived there for over 30 years.
Mark Childers 1 month ago
"Friendly" neighbors can be a challenge. In my old townhouse complex, I knew several neighbors, and they wanted to have long chats everytime we ran into each other, I was constantly asked to dog sit and house sit (they were all older), and they played "show and tell" with me all the time, not taking no for an answer if they bought something new. I would have to hear all about it and go into their homes to see it and "ooh" and "ahh" over it. It was tedious. I know no one in my current townhome complex, but I wave to neighbors to be friendly. I think that's as close as I want to get here.
Barbara Williams 1 month ago
How did these new neighbors get your contact information? I certainly wouldn't be giving out my personal information to someone I barely know
sofacushionfort 1 month ago
“I want you to be my friend not because I like you, but because I believe that I deserve your friendship.” Why should this be anymore acceptable as neighbors than it is in dating?
Arabiata Arabiata 1 month ago
With this behaviour they only disgust themselves. They have to build trust and good relations with their neighbours slowly. Saying hello their immediate neighbours, exchanging a few words, is a good start.
Panda Panda Bo Banda 1 month ago
Sounds like Main Character Syndrome. They think the "bumpkins" will be thrilled to make friends with a couple of Londoners.
sweet emotion 1 month ago
Suggest that they check in with the local church or community center if they want to get "involved" in the community. Here in the US, my mother's first step when she moved to a new city was to register with her chosen church, and when we were young she also volunteered at the schools. It never took her long after that to feel like she was part of the community.
Abraxas59 1 month ago (edited)
I live in a stunning little costswolds village been here ten years I’m from born n bred can’t stand towns or bloody townies they do my head so stuck up second home owners is very wrong to unfair on locals n I’m in housing association lol only one of three in the village we have a few second home owners op the church from USA aus n London non of us know em bar my 23yr old daughter as works in the pub here they are obnoxious lol think having house in the countryside makes em special nope dudes it really don’t ! townies should dm well stay in the towns ok as tourists just lol but pushing up house prices and taking it from locals just no ! I’m a full on county lass almost 60 I’ve lived in towns for a bit eight to peopley there lol I like my peace n quiet at the end of the village I’m now housebound to only to have a second home owner from London being like ops neighbour JUST NO
María Hermida 1 month ago
Jesus Christ!!! Buy at least a dozen full stops AND USE THEM. Your post is totally unreadable.
Load More Replies... Angela C 1 month ago
Is it so hard to believe that people from other countries can be rude àssholes, too?
Load More Replies... RedMarbles 1 month ago (edited)
We just had an election where educated, reasonable people were clanging alarm bells about the risk of permanent damage to American democracy that got dismissed as arrogance and elitism by their fellow citizens because that's how it was characterized by certain sources who use the tried-and-true method of making their listeners angry and telling them they are being insulted by smarty pants to distract from the danger. It's not gonna work out so well for the vast majority of us American citizens. (Edited to remove an apostrophe.)
Load More Replies... zims 1 month ago
What about someone living in a rural village screams "wealthy elite" to you?
Load More Replies... You May Like “Pettiness In Panties“: Woman Bares All In Clever Revenge Against Awful Old Neighbor “I Thought I Was Lazy”: 50 People Who Took Laziness To Infuriating Levels (New Pics)
Rugilė Žemaitytė
Eglė Bliabaitė
Related on Bored Panda
23
61