Dear autonoe,

Your situation seems very similar to my own so my heart goes out to you. Intrusive neighbors is something I am plagued with.

I deal with intrusive neighbors by making excuses: "Can't talk, I have a migraine." "Sorry I am sick today." For those who intrude through text messages, I generally reply with . . . "Sorry, my carpal tunnel syndrome is acting up and I have a terrible headache." Stuff like that. I find this works with the neighbors I have. I realize that this is naughty because deceitful, but I feel preserving my mental health is a priority in my life. Nature's first law is self-defense.

I can't offer advice of course since I am totally unqualified to give advice, but I do hope you find successful tactics and strategies for safeguarding your mental health. Hopefully others here will see your post and respond to it with things are that really and truly helpful to you! Sorry that I could not be helpful!

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen