Need Advice on a Serious Personal Problem Involving Neighbors

[thomasf]

Thomasf, I LOVE that idea! I think it is probably the most practical suggestion yet. When dealing with the irrational, sometimes the more creative solutions are the most effective! Maybe even strange barking dog sounds…

I heard that on a radio drama once. It was a detective story. Someone was thinking about buying some land, so he put speakers in the forest to make it sound like it was haunted, and to drive away other buyers, and to drive the price down.

 

[Nanny_PK]

I would put it in writing – politely, of course. Just send them a letter with return receipt requested indicating that you would like for them not to come on your property any longer. If they continue, I would call the police department or sheriff’s department and have them issue a criminal tresspass warning. Then if they do it in the future they could be arrested for criminal tresspass – at least in Texas that’s how it would be done. I AM NOT A LAWYER AND I AM NOT INTENDING TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE

 

[newbetx]

I would sincerely appreciate any (name removed by moderator)ut. I have put my problem into the form of a “Dear Abby” letter.

Dear Abby,

I have a serious problem. A couple of years ago, I sold some of my land to a couple. They seemed really nice at first, and I told them they were welcome to take walks on my property if they wished.

Well, it turned out they weren’t as nice as I thought. The woman became intrusive and controlling, and angry and confrontational when I refused to answer her very personal questions. I discovered she held philosophical views that were opposed to mine. She said some very insulting things to me. Needless to say, our relationship is strained. I try to be polite and neighborly, while keeping my distance. This couple and I will never be close friends.

My problem arises because these people, relying on my earlier statements, feel free to roam about my property at will. I do not want them there. I am uncomfortable with the idea of anyone being on my property unless I know about it. I fear that if I put up a gate and post a “No trespassing” sign, they will either ignore it or request a key.

In short, I feel manipulated. The woman has mentioned in passing that she and her husband have been on my land, and I feel this is a test to see if I will object. I have not objected because I want to keep peace. I feel that if I I am honest and tell them I don’t want them on my property they will become angry and say mean things about me. I would never dream of wandering about their property, and am sure they wouldn’t be happy about that, as they are very concerned that their property boundaries be acknowledged and respected.

Abby, I want things to be as happy as they can be. But I am not going to be coerced into giving access to my land. I am angry that I have allowed myself to be backed into a corner where exercising my rights is likely to put me in a difficult situation. What should I do to extricate myself from this situation?

First thing I thought of was “opportunity” to potentially converse and maybe convert if not at least get the person to accept your philosophical views. It may be pretty tough to love this neighbor, but that might be what is called for. I do not dissagree with anyone else here about your property rights. I just thought I’d toss out an alternative. You are free to toss it out, too.

 

[petitfleur]

You could put wireless speakers in the brush and the trees where they walk and play ghost sounds through them when they’re out there. THen they’ll think the land is haunted and stay away.

 

[petitfleur]

You could put wireless speakers in the brush and the trees where they walk and play ghost sounds through them when they’re out there. THen they’ll think the land is haunted and stay away.

Sounds like a scooby Doo episode.