Hello Autonoe,

Sorry that you are having a challenging time in your new neighborhood. That would be bothersome to me as well. And, yes, I have experienced it many times since I move a lot and am an introvert. I have been in similar situations numerous times and taken advantage of many times over.

I learned how to change these situations with help from my Life Skills instructor. What works the best for me is to come up with a prepared script to tell people who seem to regularly intrude or take advantage.

Perhaps think about what things you would like to accomplish for the day and how might you tell your neighbors that you will be preoccupied. Even if I don't have anything planned, I will have a backup activity in mind to just become busy to get out of the situation.

For me it's studying usually.

Perhaps you have a scheduled phone call with a friend?

Working on a project?
Need to go to the store?

Maybe set an alarm on your phone before heading out and tell your neighbor, oh it's time for me to get going. Then insert your reason.

I found this good practice in saying no. Once I began doing this, life got so much easier!

Hoping you find peace in your new home soon--you deserve it!

Take care!