Pexels/Reddit

Living close to neighbors usually means you can’t expect total privacy, but the neighbor in this story took things way too far.

One homeowner started off friendly with her next-door neighbor two years ago, sharing the occasional patio beer and splitting a few costs. Since then, the interactions have mostly faded, but the attention hasn’t.

Every time she has guests over, her neighbor conveniently steps outside for a smoke, positioned perfectly to watch her every move.

So when she pointed a camera toward their window out of suspicion, it confirmed exactly what she feared.

Now she’s stuck living behind closed blinds in a home she used to fill with natural light.

Keep reading for the full story.

Privacy in densely populated cul-de-sac

I live in a tight elbow-to-elbow neighborhood where everyone can see into their neighbor’s backyard if they wanted to.

Looking back, this homeowner has some regrets.

I made the mistake of being uber nice to my next door neighbor when I moved in 2 years ago, inviting them over for a few drinks in the backyard, etc.

We also split some costs along party lines.

It’s only been maybe a handful of polite interactions and maybe 2 summer night beers on the patio.

Lately, the homeowner has been noticing something strange.

Anyway, in the past year since, I’ve noticed that they are being extra curious and friendly. It’s only one person.

They are a smoker, and I’ve noticed whenever I have anyone over, whether it is family, friends, contractors, legit anybody, they conveniently come out for a smoke and just watch on their stoop.

The homeowner makes a startling discovery.

I started pointing one of my cameras towards their window out of suspicion, and lo and behold, whenever I’m out in my yard (which has become often because I’m gardening or fixing things outside), I know they’re scrambling up to that room window to watch me.

It is starting to freak me out, and not only do I want to ask them to stop smoking so frequently, they could smoke out in their backyard but don’t, always on the stoop that faces my window.

The homeowner begins to wonder how to put this to an end.

What can I do to prevent all this eavesdropping? It is odd behavior, right?

I’ve never lived so close next to someone, and also for them to be so invested in when and where I’m hanging out in my house.

I originally had cameras facing windows because I was nervous there was a peeping tom.

I’ve basically drawn all my blinds and curtains now, which sucks, because I love natural sunlight in my place.

This neighbor really needs to cut this crap out.

What did Reddit have to say?

This commenter seems resigned to the fact that there’s only so much this homeowner can control.

This user had a similar experience.

There are quite a few things this homeowner can do.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a couple who is sick and tired of their neighbor’s kids dumping trash on their patio.

Perhaps the right curtains could provide some security.

It’s clear this neighbor has gotten a bit too comfortable using this homeowner as their personal entertainment.

Living in close proximity to neighbors isn’t ideal, but you shouldn’t have to give up all your privacy.

If this neighbor doesn’t cut it out, it’s time to have a difficult conversation about boundaries.