A polite hint only works on someone willing to actually take it, and one woman was starting to lose when it came to her elderly neighbor.

Working irregular hours in the medical field, including graveyard shifts, she’d developed a friendly, low-key relationship with the retired senior next door, the occasional hallway hello, nothing more.

Lately, though, he’d started appearing the moment she got home, launching into conversation right as she was craving nothing more than a shower and sleep.

She tried multiple polite exits, mentioning her exhaustion, hoping he’d take the cue. He never did.

That’s when she realized kindness alone wasn’t going to solve this.

Keep reading for the full story.

Creepy Neighbor

I’m 35F living alone. I rent my apartment, and my neighbor is a retired senior.

Initially it was a friendly hi hello as we met in the common area or near the mail room.

Things have changed recently.

But lately he is getting a bit more nosy, all in the pretense of “elderly” concern.

I work in the medical field, and my work hours are rather irregular. Sometimes I have to pull graveyard shifts, and sometimes regular.

Her neighbor has started cornering her in these moments — and not taking no for an answer.

As soon as he hears me at my door, he comes out, starts small talk, and wouldn’t simply leave. When I come home from my shift, all I crave is a hot water shower and sleep, but he is relentless.

He’s not really the best at picking up on these social cues.

I tried politely telling him multiple times that I’m extremely exhausted and need to go. But he doesn’t get a hint.

I don’t wanna be rude either. How should I tell him to get lost?

This guy needs to get a grip before things get even weirder.

What did Reddit think?

Firm and cheerful is probably a good combination.

This user can relate to this situation.

Why not just refuse to engage?

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.

Trauma dumping on strangers isn’t okay.

Wanting quiet and rest after a long shift isn’t rude, it’s basic self-preservation, and this woman has already tried the polite route more than once.

Some people genuinely don’t pick up on subtle cues, which means the kindest thing she can actually do, for both of them, is be clear and direct. Something simple and firm, “I really need to head in and rest, I’ll catch you another time.”

Sometimes protecting your peace means being a little blunt.