[stayingafloat]

I'm not sure if anybody has this experience of dealing with patronizing and busybody neighbors. Years ago we moved out once because of inconsiderate neighbors ganging up on us, problem solved for the time being.

Years later, the new neighbors living opposite our apartment start to pick on me for little to no reason.
They would often hide in an area unnoticed, waiting for me to appear in a noticeable position in our house and start to call my name, make patronizing remarks, mockeries and taunting sounds.
Seemingly trying to ridicule every aspects of my appearance, demeanor or whatever move I made.

I dealt with them in kind by making sarcastic hand gestures, but they seem persistent on pursuing me, and hell bent on provoking me to the point of getting into trouble or move out. I suspect the old neighbors are one of those behind this.

How do you deal with such people?
Appreciate any inputs.

I wonder if issues with neighbors are becoming more common. I hear about it a lot. We had problems once and it’s awful. I would ignore them as much as possible. Don’t react, show emotion or retaliate in any way if possible. Make yourself the most boring target ever so they find someone else to bother.

[stayingafloat]

Originally Posted by Sisabel

I wonder if issues with neighbors are becoming more common. I hear about it a lot. We had problems once and it’s awful. I would ignore them as much as possible. Don’t react, show emotion or retaliate in any way if possible. Make yourself the most boring target ever so they find someone else to bother.

I get what you mean, been trying to ignore them but to no avail, will continue doing it again though
Somehow they take a sick interest in agitating and messing around with me for reasons unknown.
It's been many months this has been happening. And I'm sure there are more than one neighbor involved in this.
The signs are there last year when I hear my name being shouted by a group of kids and made fun of, with the taunting and mockery becoming increasingly often.

It sounds like bullying. Perhaps a good strategy would be to firmly (and in a very adult type way, assuming you're both at least 18 years old) say "Hey! It's time for us to all grow up and stop this juvenile behavior!" Then I'd make a point to really try to ignore them and never say another word to them again. If they threaten you at any point or do something to your property (or leave harassing notes), it may be time to talk to the landlord, or if really bad, the police.

I wouldn't return the same juvenile behavior as revenge. Try to take the high road.

[WishfulThinker66]

Are they doing this to other tenants too?

Start documenting this then contact the landlord or property manager.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Honestly this doesn’t sound real to me, more like psychosis. It just seems unlikely your neighbors would hide and wait for you to appear.

[WishfulThinker66]

Originally Posted by Sometimes psychotic

Honestly this doesn’t sound real to me, more like psychosis. It just seems unlikely your neighbors would hide and wait for you to appear.

I admit paranoia has come to my mind too.

To the OP, what have you done about this so far? Have you discussed this with your mental healthcare team? In the meantime document it. One reason I have suggested this is that by making the effort to do so, it will cause you to reflect upon it which might then make you evaluate your belief and viewpoint. I worry about you.

[stayingafloat]

Originally Posted by Sometimes psychotic

Honestly this doesn’t sound real to me, more like psychosis. It just seems unlikely your neighbors would hide and wait for you to appear.

It's very likely. What else would explain the sudden timely taunting and loud mumbling whenever I step into areas of my house noticeable to them.
It's gotten to a point where I hope it's all not real, like you mentioned.

[stayingafloat]

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

I admit paranoia has come to my mind too.

To the OP, what have you done about this so far? Have you discussed this with your mental healthcare team? In the meantime document it. One reason I have suggested this is that by making the effort to do so, it will cause you to reflect upon it which might then make you evaluate your belief and viewpoint. I worry about you.

Will PM you about this. I don't want my neighbors to know certain info that I'm posting here. Already left myself vulnerable and had my issues used against me.

[sarahsweets]

I dont have any advice but I'll vent with you. I have a small driveway and we have two young drivers and myself and my husband. We have a side yard directly in front of the driveway that we park in. My neighbor's house is set way back from the road and their driveway goes all the way past our house, yard (1/4 acre) to their house. For years (14) we have pulled in the end of their driveway and right up into our yard. We have used about 2 feet of their driveway. I babysat their son, he graduated with mine(he is 23 now) and one day a year ago in my mailbox I get this strongly worded letter about using the end of their driveway. They said we were damaging the gravel(holes were already there) and the wife said in particular we were upsetting the husband because someone was whipping out of their driveway when one of them was coming home.

Here's the thing: If she had spoken to me, I would have apologized and never used the driveway all these years. She never had anything to say about it and we are friendly enough. And she has my number as well, But she wrote this letter. I immediately ate crow and texted her an apology and told her I had no idea it bothered her. She was happy with that and thankful. Its her driveway and if it bothered her, its her right to want exclusive use of the end of her driveway. I certainly do not think it belongs to me or that I get to use it whenever I want. It was just the way she went about it that bothered me. When we moved here her son was 5. The boys are now 23. We have lived here for 15 years. It just shook me the way she handled it. I am not a confrontational person. I may say what is on my mind or have an opinion but I would never fight with my neighbors. Its not worth it to me. I mean, their fence is falling over into my backyard and I have dogs but the hell am I going to get nasty about it. On top of that we need to chainsaw the hell out of an apple tree that is leaning on it so its not all their fault. I do not like disagreements with neighbors so I avoid it if I can. I am sorry you are going through this. It really sucks.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by stayingafloat

It's very likely. What else would explain the sudden timely taunting and loud mumbling whenever I step into areas of my house noticeable to them.
It's gotten to a point where I hope it's all not real, like you mentioned.

This could be auditory hallucinations...

[Velvet Lounger]

Thankfully we have a high flintstone wall dividing our detached house from our neighbours. A few years ago we even had additional soundproofing added to keep loud music from aggravating our neighbours. Occasionly the old cout next door steps up his ladder to complain about the noise our children make when splashing about in the pool, but he invariably refuses when invited in. His loss, our gain.

[stayingafloat]

Originally Posted by Sometimes psychotic

This could be auditory hallucinations...

I checked with a family member regarding the nuisance a neighbor made to imitate my voice, she said she heard it as well.

[GattoNegro]

My wife has done. Always commenting on her hair and even one time they shouted so loud they were going to beat my wife up when I was committed.