No one likes nosy neighbors. They’re just so annoying! And they have no respect for boundaries or privacy, asking all sorts of rude questions and making inappropriate comments that are none of their business. You know the type: they’ll stop by unannounced to chat with you about how your kids are doing in school or what time you usually go to bed at night. But if you want to avoid attracting them like a fly on honey, there are some simple things you can do now to keep them out of your life (and off your radar). Here’s a list of strategies for dealing with nosy neighbors!
Don’t return any friendly gestures they make toward you
Keeping quiet and not acknowledging them back is a passive way to keep nosy neighbors at arm’s length, as it doesn’t scream “keep away”! Just lead by example and don’t give them anything to gossip about or use against you later. They’ll soon get the point that you don’t want to be social, and they’ll stay away.
Invest in your privacy
You may not have a landlord trying to kick you out of your apartment, but a nosy neighbor can be just as bad, maybe even worse! If you’re struggling with what you can do to give yourself some peace and quiet from your nosy neighbors, invest in some shutters or curtains for your windows. Curtains are a simple way to shield yourself from the eyes on the other side of the fence and let yourself have some well-deserved privacy.
Turn the tables by starting a conversation with them instead
If you catch nosy neighbors spying on you from their window, why not turn the tables and get them to come over for a chat? It’s a great way to have some control! You can ask all about their life, while they’ll likely clam up! Just be sure to keep any conversation on a superficial level so that it doesn’t get too awkward.
Use simple distractions from your home if they come to visit
Sometimes, nosy neighbors may stop by your house for a chat. If this happens, quickly direct them outside with an “Oh, I’m sorry but you’re going to have to leave now” or “I’m really busy today.” You can even offer up some random task that needs doing if that makes it seem less rude, to help keep them occupied.
Get a dog for your yard
A great way to avoid nosy neighbors is to get a dog! This will not only give you a good excuse for not being around but also show your nosy neighbor that you have a pet. Dogs are great for keeping nosy neighbors from dropping by too often, as many people are scared of getting bitten or attacked.
The best dogs to have as an outdoor pet are typically those that look intimidating to the eye, such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls. These dogs can easily scare away any visitors to your home!
Try talking to them in a group to make things less personal
Sometimes nosy neighbors may not be aware of how rude they’re being when trying to strike up a conversation with you. If this happens, try talking to them in a small group where their comments aren’t so pointed, and it’s clear that you’re just having an innocent conversation.
If nosy neighbors are chatty, don’t be afraid to let them talk to someone else instead! Let them join in small groups where they can’t pick at your details, or chat with one or two of them about a topic that’s more comfortable for you.
Make it clear you have nothing to say if they try talking to you about your personal affairs
You do not owe them anything! If nosy neighbors are trying to talk to you about things that are none of their business, cut them off with a firm “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable discussing that” or “I’m sorry, but I’d rather not talk about it today.” Make sure to word your reply politely and with as few words as possible.
If you’re trying to keep your distance from nosy neighbors, it’s best not to share any information that could be used against you later. Keep quiet about upcoming plans and trips away to avoid any suspicion that you’re hiding anything. You don’t have to tell them all about your life, so just keep it simple!
Nosy neighbors can be a major annoyance for many people. It’s all too easy to get wrapped up in the richness of your own life and forget that other people have their own business to deal with too. This article should help you deal with nosy neighbors, so you can stop being on their radar! Whether it’s telling them about your plans before they find out themselves or getting a dog for your yard, we hope these tips will help make living next door easier for everyone involved.