DEAR ABBY: I recently moved to a new neighborhood with my husband and children. It's a nice street, nice neighbors, no complaints really -- except one.
My neighbor "Cheryl" won't leave me alone. She wants our children to play together constantly. When our kids aren't playing, she is calling me. I like her, but enough is enough. I have my own family and friends, and I don't have time to talk to her 24/7.
I cannot hide. She knows when I am home and when I'm out. As soon as I get home, the phone starts ringing. Even when I'm out, she calls my cell phone and asks what I'm doing. And now the computer! She checks to see if I'm online!
It's getting to be too much. I don't know how to say anything without hurting her feelings. I actually pray for rainy days so I can stay indoors. Other than moving, what can I do? -- PRISONER IN MY NEW HOME
DEAR PRISONER: Some of this is your own fault. You gave Cheryl your cell phone number and e-mail address, so you shouldn't blame her for using them.
If you want your life back, put some starch in your spine and explain to this needy (and presumptuous) woman that you don't have time to fulfill all her needs -- you already have a family and social life.
When she comes over uninvited, tell her you are busy. If she calls at an inopportune time, explain that you will call her back because it is not convenient to talk "now." (Return the call when you have time to chat.) Ask her not to call you on your cell phone. If she persists, change the number. Do the same with your e-mail address.
In other words, draw some boundaries around your life and kindly (but firmly) insist that she respect them. Your life will not be your own if you don't, and you'll have nobody to blame but yourself.