You’ve moved into your dream house. Your neighborhood is perfect. It’s close to shopping, good schools, and has a park nearby. You’ve met most of your neighbors, and they seem nice enough. But there’s one neighbor who is just… weird.
They live alone, and you’ve never seen them with any visitors. They always seem to be lurking around, watching you and your family. It’s unsettling, and you’re not sure what to do about it.
If you find yourself in this strange and off-putting situation, here are a few things you can do:
Talk to the person
Sometimes, the best way to deal with a weird neighbor is to just talk to them. Ask them their name, strike up a conversation about the weather, or invite them over for a cup of coffee. Getting to know them may help put your mind at ease.
In some cases, the person may just be lonely and looking for someone to talk to. But in other cases, they may be trying to gather information about you and your family. Either way, talking to them will give you a better idea of what their intentions are.
Keep your distance
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the person, or if they make you feel uneasy, it’s okay to keep your distance. You don’t have to be friends with everyone in your neighborhood. Just be polite and cordial if you do see them around.
Do a Background Check On Them
If you’re really concerned about the person, you can do a background check on them. Background checks can reveal criminal records, arrest records, and other information that can help you decide how to best deal with the situation.
Googling the person or checking their social media is a good start. It’ll give you basic information about them. But if you want a more deep, thorough check, you can use a background check service like Intelius or Information.com.
These services aren’t free, but sometimes, peace of mind is worth a little money.
Talk to Other Neighbors
If you’re still not sure what to do, talk to other neighbors. See if they’ve had any weird experiences with the person. Getting input from other people can help you decide how to best deal with the situation.
The other neighbors have likely lived with the person in their area for a lot longer than you have. So they may have more insight into what the person is really like.
Usually, this will help put your mind at ease. But in some cases, it may just confirm your suspicions that the person is indeed weird.
Call the Police
If you’re really worried about the person, or if they’ve done something to make you feel threatened, call the police. The police can investigate the person and talk to them about their behavior.
Calling the police should be a last resort. But if you feel like you’re in danger, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Keep your doors and windows locked
This is a smart general precaution to take regardless of whether or not your neighbor is weird. But if you’re particularly worried about your safety, make sure to keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re home.
Install a security system
If you want an extra layer of protection, consider installing a security system. This will help deter the person from coming onto your property, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe.
There are a lot of different security systems to choose from, so do some research to find one that’s right for you.
Moving
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still not comfortable with the person, you may want to consider moving. It’s not the ideal situation, but sometimes, you have to do what’s best for your safety.
Weird neighbors can be unsettling, but there are ways to deal with them. Talk to the person, keep your distance, or do a background check on them if you’re feeling particularly uneasy. You can also talk to other neighbors or call the police if you’re feeling threatened. And if all else fails, you can always move.
Whatever you do, just make sure to stay safe.
Photo by RODNAE Productions