When I first moved here in May 2002 I was approached by my neighbour. Rather than welcome me into the neighbourhood she started laying down the law to me about the grass area at the front of the house.
I found that to be quite unwelcoming then, as I was still moving in and was not quite settled in at that moment in time.
Far be it from me to complain I just continued about my business as normal and continued to make the house my home.
Moving is a long and tiring process and getting settled was difficult as quite often Sarah would knock on the door complaining about “the noise”.
“The noise” being typically that of which usually comes with moving into a new house. It was not long before Sarah was back knocking on the door asking me to turn down my music when it was not loud in the first place. I was using a clock radio while waiting for my sky TV to be installed.
I apologised having explained the situation, hoping she might understand how stressful the move had been, but again she started reciting the terms of the housing contract to me.
Which again I found unacceptable for her to keep reminding me, but being new to the area I did not want to come across as rude and obnoxious as Sarah clearly was. I was heavily pregnant and due in August.
My aim was to get things sorted as quickly as possible before I had my little girl. I felt like I was being targeted all the time by Sarah for the sake that I was “the new neighbour”, to Sarah this gave her some kind of authority to constantly harass me about the smallest things. It was not long before my tolerance was wearing pretty thin with this woman.
Before long I was talking to other neighbours who were friendlier and more welcoming to me and my family.
It was later that I found out from several other neighbours close by that Sarah was a bit of a serial complainer and had become quite well known for her constant complaints about other neighbours close by.
Even to this very day she still continues to harass me This whole ordeal with Sarah has been maintained by her and her mother from the very first moment I moved in. She has constantly harassed me by laying down the law, provoking arguments with the intention of influencing my own anger towards her for being so petty.
I never thought I would be finding myself wishing I'd never moved.
More recently I had got approached by 3 of them hounding me about my 2 teenage boys. There I was having to defend myself.
How much does a person have to put up with such nuisance people.
My family are well liked in our neighbourhood which is why I don't understand why Sarah is this way.
Can any one advise me on what to do?
I have had to put up with this woman for 4 years. Now I've had enough!

Sorry this is a lengthy post, it's not even a quarter of what else I have had to endure from this woman.
However I'm happy to answer any questions you might have on this.

Wow, 4 years, you are patient!

You have two choices. Be bold and address it flat out (with tact and a smile, of course)... or keep taking it.

We had this issue in our first home. We only stood it about 6 months, then started showing our true feelings... it started along the lines of

"I am sorry that you so frequently see the need to "educate" me on things such as these, but frankly, it is becoming annoying." Say this with a smile. It will mess with her brain real good.

Also "I believe that I have been a good neighbor since moving in, so we would appreciate you keeping these things to yourself."

If she keeps it up, give her about 5 words, then interrupt her, "Sarah, I appreciate your concern, but I've got to run." My guess is that after hearing that a half dozen times she may start to get the hint.

HI,
Sorry to read about this. Sounds like Sarah is one of those people who can't live around anyone!
In my opinion, I would tell her to stop bothering me, stop talking to me, and just be polite, but tell her enough if enough. Let it go at that.
If she starts in again, I would go to your local Court House, Court Clerk's Office and inquire how to get a "restraining Order" or "Peace Bond". I am not sure what they will be called in your local area, but if it comes to it, you can have it legally said that she cannot communicate with you at all! I do wish you the best, and good luck.

Thanks for your reply Rickj
Yes I'm afraid so, 4 years is a long time to put up with nuisance neighbours.
I did however say 2 words to Sarah, one of them ending in "Off"
If you know what I mean.
I would think she has got the hint now.
I'm waiting to see what the citizens advice bureau have to say now.
This is not over, it's becoming a civil matter.

Let me offer another angle that will save you time, money and heartache.

Tell her that you are sorry for cursing her, but that her repeated "advice" has become very annoying. And that the issue that brought the curse was the straw that broke the camels back. Tell her flat out; "Please stop trying to tell me how to run my life - I will expect you to keep your opinions to yourself in the future".

From there, go back to the 5-words then interruption thing...

... just a thought...

Thanks Fred, we have the "citizens advice bureau" here, they are very good in dealing with legal matters and are also there to give free advice as and when.
They will be able to assist me with everything I need to know.
I have chosen to go about this the right way instead of Sarahs way.
She will find herself in court so fast if she continues now.
I do believe I'm doing the right thing. Eventually I will have an ASBO served on her (Anti Social Behaviour contract) where she will have to keep the peace or be evicted from her property.
Keep the post's coming, I'm loving them!

Consider your advice well and truly taken Rick.
I'll try anything to just have some peace.
Once again Thanks.

Thanks, Bluetooth. I was hoping I was not coming across as too mushy.

I'm just sure that a little humility - even though I know you'd like to strangle her - will go much further toward peace. If it becomes a civil issue, then you are guaranteed a lot of heartache.

Yes Rick you are right, I'd love to strangle her.
People like Sarah don't respond to the humility thing very well, she does that perfectly by herself with the filth that comes from within her mouth.
Eventually she will have to realise what a stupid idiot she is and give the "neighbour from hell lark" a rest.
With the rest of the community against her she'll crack under pressure soon.
There has been talk of getting a petition together where the community come together for a mediation with Sarah.
It's nice for me because I have lots of support from other neighbours close by. She'll crack soon... People like that always do.

I think you're right!