Does “being neighborly” include doing things you’re uncomfortable with?

If a neighbor asked if they could park in your driveway, would you let them, or would say “no”?

One Redditor doesn’t like the idea of a neighbor’s friends parking in her driveway, but she’s wondering if she should say “yes” anyway.

Check out the story below for all the details.

AITA for telling my neighbor no?

The house across from me sold recently.

The prior owners built it and lived in it for almost 50 years. They were lovely people, and they are missed.

But, then, new neighbors rolled in…

I didn’t meet the new neighbors until recently. They’re living there only intermittently while renovations are being done.

Anyway, we both live on a very busy (double yellow line) street and while street parking isn’t illegal, per se, it’s definitely dangerous as it is a busy, relatively narrow, high traffic road.

The neighbor’s house has a small-ish driveway that can fit maybe six cars and, with the setup of the yard, there is really no lawn parking.

I, on the other hand, have a very large, circular driveway that can probably fit 15-20 cars if needed.

BUT, there is only ONE entrance and exit point to the street.

Everything was fine — until one day.

So, I was out getting my mail the other day and the neighbor was outside. She came over, introduced herself, and we chatted briefly. Then, she said, “May I ask a favor of you?”

I laughed and said, “Well, you can ask…”

Anyway, long story shorter, she said they were having a house party the weekend after [the] 4th of July. They were expecting a large number of people and were hoping they could use my driveway for parking as street parking is difficult.

So, the OP offered an alternative.

I said, “Sorry, no. It will block me in. I’m fine with your guests parking on the grass in front of my fence (I have a small fence about 8′ from the street, and there’s a grass strip in front of it). The Smiths (prior house owners) would often use it if they were hosting a large group.”

She said, “Oh, I appreciate that, but that will only fit about six cars. We’re going to need parking for another 10-12 beyond what fits in my driveway.”

But the homeowner stood their ground.

I again said, “I’m sorry, I can’t offer you use of my driveway without it being a significant inconvenience to us. I’m going to have to say no.”

She then says, “Well, my guests can park along the side and back of your driveway so you can still get in and out.”

I said, “Again, I’m going to have to say no. I’m not comfortable with your guests on my property, and the only light I have at night is my post light out front. It’s very dark at night, and I wouldn’t want anyone to trip or get hurt.”

This didn’t sit well with the woman.

She started to look frustrated and said, “Well, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t think they can all park on the street.”

I said, “Yes, I know parking can be frustrating here. There are a couple of municipal buildings nearby. It might be worth calling the town to see if you can use their parking lots since it’s a weekend and maybe shuttle people or have them walk. Other than that, I’m not sure. It’s one of the downsides of living on a busy street!”

I, then, excused myself and went back inside.

And now? The neighbor isn’t all that warm.

Now, every time I see her, she just kind of gives me a dirty look and says nothing.

I don’t really care about my neighbor not being neighborly, as we prefer to keep to ourselves anyway, but AITA for not letting her use my driveway for parking?

So, was this homeowner out of line? Should the OP have just done it anyway? Let’s read what Reddit thinks below.

Commenters came in with strong opinions.

They said this woman was “assuming.”

One even called her entitled!

That’s a big favor to ask someone you didn’t even invite to the party!

If you liked that post, check out this story about a guy who was forced to sleep on the couch at his wife’s family’s house, so he went to a hotel instead.