Childish problem with a neighbor.

By Faye
@FayeHazel (40246)
United States
October 22, 2018 11:47am CST
Hi My Lot, Maybe you guys can help me out on this. I have tried staying out of drama at this apartment building - I came out of a situation where I had a lot of drama where I lived. So for a change, I want my home to be a haven. Well, there is a lot of drama at the moment in this building and it appears I got partially sucked in. It all happened when my neighbor - split up with her best friend, and also her boyfriend, both of which happen to live here in this building. I'm not particularly close to either of those people, but I know them/am pleasant with them. So, my neighbor invites me over ' vents to me. I'm fine with that. She's a nice lady and it must be hard to have to see both the ex-bestie and the ex-boyfriend on a regular basis. One night, she gives me a whole bunch of things. I didn't ask for these things. I didn't suggest that I wanted any of these things. She offered. Fairly high dollar items, too. *a Roku player, *a handful of very nice agates, *a set of fairy lights (new), *a stained glass panel (granted that was given to her by someone else because it had a broken frame that I fixed for myself)… so I accepted. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I did. And a few times I've given her things too as a way of saying thanks. Some baking I did, and a handmade necklace that I make. I make these necklaces and sell them for $11 ea. / 2 for $20. I love making them, and I figure I have less than $1 into each one, so I make a bit of money and they get out there in the world and prevent me from having hundreds made up. Ha! (Technical note: please know this is only for the continuation of the story. I'm not trying to promote nor sell them on My lot.) So a few days ago, my neighbor comes to my door with a grand daughter, (cute kid) . She explains that she gave the necklace that I made for her, to her daughter. And now the grand daughter would really like one, too and could I give her another one to give to grand daughter? At first I thought she might offer to pay - but it quickly became apparent that payment was not offered. "So can I get a necklace rope for this one"? she continues as I handed over the pendant. I said no to that. Pendant ropes are the most putsy part of this process. As she was leaving she tells me that she "will take another 2 or 3 pendants " to give as gifts and told me to be happy that "they're popular already". Oh great. They're popular enough for people to want to take them for free. I'm flattered. Anyway I don't know how to feel about this. I like to do small acts of kindness. (A favorite is I put $1 with a little note at $1 stores to brighten someone's day) - and I mean, like I said - I have less than $1 into each one, so it's not like it's a big amount of money.... but her attitude frustrates me. She doesn't ask. She doesn't even offer to pay.... she just demands. "I'll take 2 -3 more of those"? Oh you will, will you? She also asked me on other occasions that she wanted me to give her my crochet hooks (uhm no... I'm using those thank you very much), and if I was busy around my home she said she would take my car for the day. (Excuse me?) that one I laughed off like a joke, but I was fairly sure that she wasn't kidding.) It brings me back to second grade. One of my little classmates walked up to me one day. She handed me a dirty pink wristwatch. This is for you! She announced. Now tomorrow you have to give me a gift in return. Happily enough my parents caught me that evening digging through my jewelry trying to think of what to give this little girl. When I explained the story, they told me that it doesn't or shouldn't work like that. People who give gifts and then demand gifts in return shouldn't be bartered with. I think I offered the little girl her watch back, and told her that I didn't want to give away my belongings. I forget if she took it back, or no. It seemed like a good childish ploy for the girl to "trade off" items she didn't like in hopes of getting ones she did as "return gifts". Now , that might be excusable in a young child. But it seems my neighbor who is 60s-70s is trying the same thing. Anyway I would feel sort of guilty for asking her to pay for jewelry since she gave me so many items. On the other hand I don't think it gives her the right to come to my home and just sort of demand I give her specific things. Has anyone done this to you? How would you deal with it? Photo is of one of my painted glass works
16 people like this
15 responses
@GreatMartin (23675)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
22 Oct 18
Okay, does a doctor give a free shot of medicine? Does a grocery store give you a free steak not expecting something in return? Does a landlord say you don't have to pay this month's rent because you said good morning to him? And I can keep on going but 1) you know better--if you take 'they' will want something in return 2) Just explain to her that it takes work to make these items and that you sell them so you can have more income. Tell her if she feels she has given you more than you have given her you will gladly return whatever she wants but you just can't afford to make and give away your jewelry when the money you make from it helps you pay bills. By the way can you give me a car with a year's insurance? After all I'm helping you make money at mylot!!
3 people like this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Hm, yes. It's a good point you make. I'll bet she doesn't go in to any retail store and is all like "hey, I'll take some of those beef roasts you got, - yeah those are real good product there, be flattered that I think they're nice for free"... lol I should try saying good morning more to the manager in this building. lol, never know... free rent would be niiiiice. Its true. By giving in once I am establishing a bad habit. *sigh* Ah yes - as requested here is a photo of a car , at least the type of car I could be prepared to give. lol. Now you owe me a mansion in Florida..... lol
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
23 Oct 18
She sounds like a female version of Dr. Jay. She gave you your gifts, but shouldn't demand gifts in return. I'd politely tell her NO, but perhaps she can buy them at a discount for gifts to others. No wonder her best friend and her boyfriend are exes. Sheesh!
2 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
25 Oct 18
@FayeHazel Toxic people make me ill. Best to avoid them at all costs.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Ah, that was another stunt he tried? Sheesh, the man is a human toxin. Some people have no shame. The discount isn't a bad idea. :-) True, when she was telling me her woes about best friend and boyfriend, I was realizing I only had her version of it to go on.... eeee
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
25 Oct 18
@DianneN I agree
1 person likes this
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
22 Oct 18
I do not think that she is trust worthy.That is me.You are being too easy on this. The ole saying Look before you leap?Good luck
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Ah thanks for the advice. You're right. I was probably not thinking about this angle in the start
1 person likes this
@cintol (11261)
• United States
24 Oct 18
No one has the right to demand things of you like that regardless of what they have voluntarily given in the past. I would tell her no, that that is your business and you need the ones you have for gifts you are making that others have already paid for. I know its not nice to lie but, I would do it to avoid the controversy that could start over it.
1 person likes this
@cintol (11261)
• United States
25 Oct 18
@FayeHazel I used to be like that as well but had to learn to find my voice so I wouldn't get taken advantage of. Yes, I would correct that quickly and be right up front. Well there you have it then, your not lying, you have to put them in the sale. lol Don't let her do that to you, some people do it to see how far they can push.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
25 Oct 18
@cintol Ah I am happy you found your voice, that isn't easy when we aren't naturally more, what would a person call it? Assertive?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
25 Oct 18
Thanks for the reality check. I struggle with being assertive - so sometimes it's good to know I'm not out of line for feeling a little used. It's true. I have started a precedent with her now, so that will have to be corrected. Technically I do have an art show coming up, so it's not entirely a lie :-)
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66918)
• United States
22 Oct 18
I agree that she shouldn't do that. Especially if its something you try to make money off of. Seems you need to have a talk with her.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66918)
• United States
24 Oct 18
@FayeHazel im glad im not you with this situation, lol. I wouldn't be too nice, unless she apologized and actually understood.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
25 Oct 18
@Courtlynn I envy your ability to not be nice. I seem plagued by this "overly nice " disease or something. Sometimes people just don't understand... tough part
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
True. Now to think of a nice way to do it. Ugh.
1 person likes this
@Janet357 (75656)
23 Oct 18
Oh my thats weird! Why would she give something in return of something? Maybe next time, dont accept her offers. She demands a lot in return.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
@Janet357 Ah yes, I would dare to say so too. Just like my classmate in second grade tried
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
I know, it's boggling my mind, too. It's strange. I think most people who are adults understand that you don't give away things so that you think you can take whatever you want from someone. Yeah next time I will have to be more careful
1 person likes this
@Janet357 (75656)
23 Oct 18
@FayeHazel it is indeed childish. I have this feelings she gave those things because she didnt like them anymore, and she wanted something new in return
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130176)
• India
23 Oct 18
Just because she dumps you with things that you actually do not want she thinks it is her right to get what she wants from you I know these kind of people. Hope you will find your way to get out of this mess
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Ah thanks. I'm lucky that she's not always around here. Some people.
• Philippines
24 Oct 18
This will remind me not to take some one's stuff anymore unless it's from my relatives. But then again, my relatives do this sort of thing but not at this length were they have to use your car. Well, i don't have a car.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
24 Oct 18
True, happy I could help prevent a possible issue, but like I found out - only accept gifts from those that you trust
@xander6464 (40910)
• Wapello, Iowa
22 Oct 18
It does sound like an instant replay of your 2nd-grade experience (They had schools back then?). There are several good suggestions in the comments, which all amount to the same thing, telling her that she's being out of line. If you don't want to be that abrupt, you could say that the holidays are coming and you're too busy making the necklaces for people who want to buy them. That should buy you 2 and a half months and by then the perfect solution could come to you. And if asks for the car again, just say your insurance only covers you driving it. It's easy to see why she lost her boyfriend and best friend. If she's like this with you, imagine what other annoying habits she has.
1 person likes this
@xander6464 (40910)
• Wapello, Iowa
23 Oct 18
@FayeHazel Little white partial lies are a lot less stressful. And why add extra stress unless it's absolutely necessary? Yeah, there are always two sides of a breakup and the truth lays in the middle...Well, except for me. I always tell the unbiased 100% truth about mine. I don't really want to but total honesty is in the job description of my Saint job so I have no choice It is hard to escape High School...It's like a black hole. Lots and lots of gravity.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
So weird isn't it? I could almost excuse it from a little kid who might not know any better... but.... yeah. I really like your idea. As you probably guess I hate confrontations - but by saying something like I'm back logged making them for holiday orders... (partially true since I do have an art show coming up) might gently get the point across. And it will work for a few months :-D Very true, as for the boyfriend and best friend, I realize I've only heard her accounting of things, and am sure that there are other versions.... Ah it seems we never outgrow high school
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
24 Oct 18
@xander6464 True. Sometimes I think it is more honorable than being blunt. Or if you're working with someone who can't handle the truth. Underpaid overworked Saint? That's a quite a job description.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40635)
• United States
22 Oct 18
Maybe you could tell her that you're sorry if she misunderstood about the jewelry being gifts because that's part of your income. If she still wants to be greedy, then I would return everything she gave you.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
That is smart - that way she couldn't feel I somehow short changed her - if I returned the things she gave me
@Hannihar (129576)
• Israel
5 Nov 18
@FayeHazel Faye, you got caught in the middle of things. That is sad when someone gives a present they should not ask for one in return That lady is a user and no wonder she does not have a best friend or boyfriend anymore. She is just too much. I am sorry.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129576)
• Israel
5 Nov 18
@FayeHazel You are right. I am going to PM you a story.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
5 Nov 18
@Hannihar Cool! I will look for it
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
5 Nov 18
Thanks. I tend to agree. She said her side of things with the boy friend and best friend... but I think there were other clauses in there too. Too bad some people are that way.
1 person likes this
@nela13 (55748)
• Portugal
22 Oct 18
Does she know that you sell that jewelry?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Hm, I was fairly sure that I had told her, but - yknow, some people don't listen well.... maybe she needs a reminder
1 person likes this
@nela13 (55748)
• Portugal
24 Oct 18
@FayeHazel you better remind her otherwise she may be back and want some more.
@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
22 Oct 18
I had people try to take advantage of me and I cut them off cold. I am cold as ice now to any involvement of this type. It is why I steer clear of absolutely every one. Sorry but that is the way it is. I bow to no one. Sorry it is like this for you Faye. Cut them off cold Faye, thats how you do it. Say you will be entering the mental hospital soon. Say anything, or dont open your door ever again. It would be like me doing everyones hair in the building here for free ..I am a hairdresser. They would be lucky to get a drink of water from me.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
Unfortunately you are right. It seems like most people have an angle of some sort to try and use you, or pull you into their dramas, etc. You are right to avoid. Lol. Well there is one little old man neighbor who I tell the craziest things to. Am sorry to say he just rubs me the wrong way. If I carry anything to my car he asks stuff like "you moving" - so say, yeah, to Brazil. Stuff like that. Oh so true. I imagine once people find out you are a hair dresser the requests for free services roll in. Like I keep it mostly quiet I'm alright with computers, sound editing software and sewing -- because people always want something for nothing
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (85691)
• Bangalore, India
22 Oct 18
I would suggest you to drop your hesitation and have an honest talk to her.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
True. Honesty is the best usually
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (85691)
• Bangalore, India
23 Oct 18
@FayeHazel It makes things simple and solves it.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154165)
• Canada
22 Oct 18
I guess an frank talk is needed here.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
23 Oct 18
I'll have to find a Frank, first lol Jk, you're right