DEAR ABBY: We are not sure what to do about a nosy neighbor I'll call "Myrtle." She's nice to talk to, but quite honestly, I suspect she must be watching us with binoculars because she told me what brand of wine we drink. When my husband sends me flowers, she calls me to find out why. If we have a party, she calls to find out what it's about!
A few years ago, I was talking to Myrtle in front of her house and mentioned that I usually walk my dog in the morning. She responded, "Oh, I KNOW when you walk your dog." (Is that creepy or is it me?)
Abby, we have nothing to hide, but our life is none of her business. I've been neighborly to her, but it seems like she wants too much information about us and has no problem telling us all her business and how much she spends.
She's single and friendly with all the neighbors, as are we. I haven't asked if they experience the same thing or if we're the "lucky ones." How should this be handled? -- FED UP IN UTAH
DEAR FED UP: Continue to be polite to your neighbor, but when she asks questions you would rather not answer, instead of answering her directly, respond with another question: "Myrtle, why do you ask?" If she presses for an answer, without being confrontational say, "It's personal," and change the subject. Be sure to keep your shades drawn on windows that face her house, and when you walk your dog, take a different route.