'Neighbour left my car in disgusting state – I couldn't believe reaction when I confronted her'
A woman has decided she's had enough of trying to maintain a cordial relationship with her neighbours following an unfortunate incident with her car.
Striking the right chord with neighbours can be difficult. You certainly don't want to fall out with them, leading to endless bickering over noise levels or hedge-trimming disputes, but lots of people also don't want to be best friends with the people who live next door.
Taking to Mumsnet, one woman called Ellie recounted a recent awkward episode that unfolded in her neighbourhood. Ellie said she was away for a weekend and had left her car 'parked at home'. Her neighbours, who don't drive, typically leave their parking space vacant.
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Upon returning, Ellie was greeted by the sight of her car covered in 'loads of muck and grass' across the bonnet and windscreen.
She suspects her neighbours were power-washing their path and garden, which resulted in her car becoming 'filthy'. The situation didn't improve when she approached them about it.
"I came across my neighbour as she was leaving yesterday and asked her was she cleaning outside as it made a lot of mess and its made my car filthy. She just laughed and said '[I'm] sure the rain will wash it off, sorry'," Ellie shared in her post.
"In fact, the rain did not 'wash it off' and I have spent £15 having to get the car cleaned. I am furious. If I did this I would at least offer to pay for the car wash and not laugh off spraying dirt on someone's car."
Scores of users rushed to the comments section to voice their opinions - with many criticising the neighbour for her 'unacceptable' behaviour. "She's a bit of a cow to laugh and say that," one person fumed.
"She should have offered to clean it."
Another concurred, remarking: "Some people don't have any respect for others' property and belongings. She should have apologised, at the very least. I'd find the flippant response infuriating," while a third reassured: "I would be livid at this too."
However, some accused Ellie of overreacting to the incident, arguing her response is a 'bit over the top'. "Why did you need to get it cleaned professionally? " one person queried.
"Surely a quick rinse at home would have done it? Doubt you were expecting her to pay for it to be professionally cleaned surely? ! Mud does just wash off! " Another scoffed: "Furious is a bit over the top, really," while a third added: "I think you need to learn to relax. It's no big deal."