Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone. I apologise for not coming here very often, but I would like to know if someone can share opinions on a problem I am currently experiencing.
I am in my fifties, I'm originally from Italy but I'm been living in Scotland. I've been working from home for several years because of my problem talking/relating to colleagues. I was diagnosed in my forties and I've never received any real help for my problems regarding socialising.
Since I spend a lot of time at home, I grew plants in my backyard and I feed birds as a hobby. I'm not a crazy bird-lady. I have a degree in veterinary medicine and I feed birds responsibly. All my neighbours have the typical yards with lawn that gets regularly mowed every two-three weeks and they think that my backyard is a disgrace. One of the family who lives next to me has a special hatred for the birds (there are a few pigeons, but the neighbours hate anything that flies and chirps). They reported me to the council a few times, but the council has never found anything wrong with what I'm doing. I tried the mediation service in the past but with no results.
Since April, the son (in his twenties) has begun working from home and he is determined to scare the birds away from my property, making noises when he hears them. He and his parents are also becoming progressively aggressive towards me, and they have started calling me names. I have reported them to the police twice and the police only recorded my complaint.
I live most of the time on my own and my neighbours know very well that I am isolated and shy.
If someone has been in a similar situation and has advices for me, I would like to hear them. Apologies for the long post.
I've just had to notify my housing association about neighbours because of intimidation, so I can relate. I don't have a garden that gets complained about though, the problem is myself from what I can tell. Weird bloke who doesn't talk much on his PC - must be up to no good. People who live alone and are different are judged harshly, a something to fear or make fun of - not nice, but some people aren't nice and we have to accept that. You aren't doing anything wrong so try not to let them get to you, but keep a note of things. Put up a sign saying I Love Wildlife, or something similar, that they will be able to see. Keep loving the birds/wildlife, I wish I had a garden to do the same.
My neighbours situation is more worrying, and I've had to face up to it.
Turmoil, I'm very sorry about your situation and I hope it will get solved.
I am familiar with people being contemptuous and looking down on you because your don't work in an office and you are not married with children. Being a woman, people don't usually suspect me to be a potential serial killer, but it is upsetting anyway.
The idea of the sign is really great!