Honestly, sorting out our new flat took forever. My wife and I needed a lot of helpfrom her parents, my parents, and even borrowed some cash from my sister. The place was absolutely brilliant, though, just needed a bit of a fix-up, nothing urgent. We figured wed tackle the repairs once we’d repaid my sister. The location was spot-on, plenty to do nearby, and the neighbourhood itself had a really friendly vibe. Those first couple of days, we walked around and discovered where all the shops and pubs were, plus what kind of fun was on offer locally.
That first Saturday, we threw a little housewarming with both our families round. Just as everyone was settled with their drinks and a plate of food, there was a knock at the door. Turns out it was the neighbours from the flat next doorhusband and wife, both definitely in their forties, and their kid, a hyperactive girl, probably eleven or twelve, who wanted to touch absolutely everything. She stomped all over our rug with muddy shoes, leaving lovely little footprints behind. They said they just popped by because they’d heard we were new in the building and thought they’d introduce themselves. They made themselves comfortable at the table, even though we hadn’t invited them to join us. When they’d finally left, we breathed a sigh of relief, hoping their talk of being neighbourly friends was just empty words. But no such luckthe next day, back they came.
The wife was keen to be friends with mine, and her husband kept trying to charm me. Wanted to take me fishingtotally not my thing. His stories about teenage dramas didnt do much for me either. I thought wed made it pretty obvious that we werent into socialising like that, and just because we live side by side doesnt mean we have to be best mates. If only they could take a hint…
They show up whenever were about to eat, send their daughter around to play, or ask us to pick stuff up from the shops for them. My wife feels awkward saying noit’s just polite, right?you want to keep things civil with neighbours. But honestly, Ive had enough. It’s gotten to the point where I always flick the hallway lights off so they cant spot a glow and figure out were in. We just dodge them whenever we canwhat else can you do? Theyre so pushy, always getting under our skin, and frankly, were sick of it. Youd think they’d have enough going on in their own flat!
I jokingly came up with a wild theory for my wifemaybe theyre secretly trying to get us to move out so they can snag our place themselves? Could happen, right? You never know with people!
