Over familiar neighbour?

I'm sorry, I'll tell my Mum to pack it in. She can't help it, she's just fixated on babies and I refuse to have one. ?

Sorry, not much help...

I suppose you just explain that 1) you can't always come to the door straightaway as you have the baby (like you said), and 2) her knocking the door a million times disturbs the sleeping baby so can she feck off.

What reason does she give for coming to your door? Peering through the window is a bit much!

I like my own space too, you have my sympathies.

I think you need to adopt the "Clairy's MIL" approach.

Next time you see her coming over, recline Mr Mal onto the sofa and go to work.

Unless she's into voyeurism, she'll probably be so embarrassed she'll never come over again.

Unless it was an emergency I'd give her the sleeping baby line and hope she gets the hint, I like my privacy it would freak me out if people started peering in at me when I was actively ignoring them knocking

The people how've bought next door to us asked us in to have a look around this morning thought that was a bit odd, it was a bit of a shock after our last drug dealing wife beating neighbours, shame they are renting it out really

I can't think why anyone would do this unless there was an utter emergency, like her seeing smoke billowing out of your upstairs windows or something.

I'd be firm with her next time she comes round.

Our neighbours are friendly, when we see them, which isn't often. We know each others names and exchange Christmas cards, but they don't beat my door down when they're bored ?

Nosy old bag! Can't believe she was peering through the window, that's totally out of order.

I'd probably try the 'disturbing the baby' line, but also just be polite but a bit aloof whenever you see her and see if she takes the hint.

Oh god, how annoying. Would be worth trying the baby line and I'd hang some lightweight curtains - even though I hate nets I think they are needed in this situation! x

God how weird, I feel for you.

I'd def explain about the baby situation maybe elaborating by saying he/she doesn't sleep much at night so you both nap during the day? Then she knows she's disturbing you as well as the baby. She might think you're lonely at home during the day and is trying to help out but still no reason to "pester" you.

Nets, voiles or blinds will give you some privacy and hopefully she'll take the hint too.

Thanks guys ? Sare, I don't think she would be put off by that, my first thought was that they were a couple of old swingers ? And Champage, we have blinds but I don't want to keep them closed all day.... will definitely say something next time ?

Next time she knocks on your window, get up and answer the door and act all alarmed, like "Can you see smoke? Is there an emergency?" and when she says she just dropped in for a chat, say that you often choose not to answer the door as you value your sleep and privacy. It's a cultural/generational thing I guess, but you've got to get the message across pretty firmly imo.

Here's me in your situation.

Tomorrow, go to her door. When she answers

"Oh hi!! sorry to disturb you, it was just to say that I realise you were knocking at my door yesterday and peering through the window, but I could nt move as baby was asleep on my knee. What was it you wanted?"

See what she says and then

"Ok! We sleep at odd times in our house because of the baby, so I wont always be able to answer the door".

I cant believe she peered in through your window!!! Mind you, I've noticed that elderly people use their age as a passport to say/do what they want!

She sounds charming.... at a guess I'd say it was pure nosiness and probably won't happen all the time - she probably just wanted a good old gawk at what you've done to the house ?

You could try going in for a big hug and kiss ... I'm sure with your snot and moustache she'd run a mile ?

I feel for you on this one - although I've no useful advice to offer. We had a neighbour like this several houses ago - my mum and I used to spend quite a bit of time hidden behind the sofa!