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"Dear Harriet" - agony aunt for ND problems (for fun!)

Alexa

Magazines and newspapers used to have an “agony aunt” column, where people could ask for advice about relationships. So, how about an ND-problems agony aunt?

What’s your question?


Dear Harriet

How can I get my NT neighbours to stop dropping by and ringing my doorbell without warning? They seem unsure and surprised when I answer the door in my pyjamas with unwashed hair on days when I’m not expecting anyone. Should I post a notice on the door to ring come back in half an hour?

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  • in reply to B

    Dear B

    There are a wide variety of strategies that spring to mind - most of which are intended to be humorous on my part - flatulence and/or exuding an air of seething hostility whilst foaming at the mouth perhaps?

    Seriously tho' - "non-verbal barriers" keep the shopping trolley in such a place to keep them away, carry a bag that goes between you and them or adopt a "big posture" - wide stance and arms slightly flared.  Keeping the head up and looking around casually.

    more physical - take a half step away like starting to move and then stop - or have a yawn and a stretch - kind of claiming your space as if you just need to get comfortable.

    Or otherwise a polite but clear verbal request - something like "would you mind giving me some room please" or similar.

    Best Wishes

    Harriet

  • in reply to B

    Dear B, this is a common and irritating issue for us NDs, which was briefly solved by COVID social distancing.

    One way to get some space would be to get the members of The Police to make up, reform and act as your entourage to sing 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' whenever someone is doing that thing. More feasibly, you could play it out loud from a mobile device and sing along.

    'H'