How to Deal With a Nosy Neighbor

Nosy neighbors can be a blessing or a curse. You can rely on the nosy neighbor to watch your home when you are away. Friend or not, your nosy neighbor usually knows who belongs and who doesn't. On the other hand, a nosy neighbor leaves little room for anonymity. Dealing with a snoop can be fun if you let it. Have fun or move, because you'll be miserable if you try to change the person.

Instructions

1. Always wave and remain friendly toward neighborhood snoops. They can do you more harm than good if they've a mind to.

2. Learn to answer pointed, nosy questions with broad, sweeping answers. Give them little or no facts. Once inside your own home, laugh at the look on their confused faces as they try to figure out what you've just said.

3. Tell your nosy neighbor when you will be out of town or away from home for any length of time. Diffuse the situation by leaving hints that you are sharing a secret and rely on your neighbor's discretion. Nosy people love to think they know something others don't.

4. Compliment your neighbor on being so watchful and protective of the neighborhood. Your appreciation may serve to embarrass the snoop enough to leave you alone.

5. Send a card. Email a cute little Nosy Neighbor greeting card from greetingcards.com, if you can do it anonymously.

6. Build a fence. Shut your drapes. And lock your doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Local police appreciate nosy neighbors.

• Nosy neighbors with whom you are in good standing can be helpful when selling your house.

• Call on the nosy neighbor to recruit volunteers for neighborhood events.