# spiteful neighbor driving me insane **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 24, 2014, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540 "2014-06-24T15:36:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/41 "2014-06-25T21:10:06Z")
So the Mad Idler is…SATAN! ---
**Author:** ![Macca26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/42 "2014-06-25T21:26:17Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > I never said that anything was “rude and impolite.” I liked someone’s post and so I wrote a post praising them. But that doesn’t mean I agreed with every word and now must defend every word they said. > > Also, I wanted to know what ITG meant. > > I’m sure you mean well. But I just don’t want to get into an argument over the Internet. I just don’t like to do that. When I look at other people quarreling or arguing about something, it seems like it often starts off nice and friendly but then devolves into name calling and even sometimes someone getting banned. I want no part of it and usually I figure it is not even worth replying to someone who asks me to defend myself. > > I don’t want to defend myself or anyone else because it usually leads to a big fight and I’m just not interested. > > I hope you will not feel offended. But I’m not going to argue with you about this. Sorry. > > Res Ipsa Loquitur. The thing about **here and there** ’s post was it was a completely long winded and condescending way to go about saying pretty much nothing people don’t already know. I could boil the post down to, “Ask politely. Maybe try to get them to see it from your point of view. Then when that fails tell them you are calling the authorities. Then call the authorities.” as the basic advice. You don’t say. I never woulda freakin’ guessed! That’s only the prime problem solving solution they teach you in first grade. In fact, it sounds like the basic way OP already tried to solve the problem with! Except **here and there** had to spell it out in a snotty, disbelieving, condescending way like OP was a child that didn’t really do what they said they did. That you think a post like that is excellent means…I don’t even know what exactly. Makes you sound stupid I suppose. And when you call something “excellent” it also certainly makes it sound like you agree with everything the post says. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/43 "2014-06-26T00:29:32Z")
See what I mean about getting involved in these arguments? The fact that I have an opinion different from someone else’s makes me sound stupid? I guess it all depends from what side one is listening. Listening from the other side makes people with a different opinion sound stupid? I always thought people are entitled to express their own opinions. ---
**Author:** ![Macca26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/44 "2014-06-26T01:34:01Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > See what I mean about getting involved in these arguments? > > The fact that I have an opinion different from someone else’s makes me sound stupid? > > I guess it all depends from what side one is listening. > > Listening from the other side makes people with a different opinion sound stupid? > > I always thought people are entitled to express their own opinions. All of us have expressed our opinions and nobody has stopped us. I said that you sound a bit stupid to me because you can’t recognize that people are against **here and there** ’s post because of the ridiculous patronizing tone of it, not because of the core message. I agree with the general content of here and there’s post (that you should ask nicely first), but the tone and the fact that their whole post is based on a falsehood (that OP was rude, which I see zero indication of such) means I completely reject it as worthwhile. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/45 "2014-06-26T02:10:53Z")
> [@Macca26](#): > > All of us have expressed our opinions and nobody has stopped us. I said that you sound a bit stupid to me because you can’t recognize that people are against **here and there** ’s post because of the ridiculous patronizing tone of it, not because of the core message. > > I agree with the general content of here and there’s post (that you should ask nicely first), but the tone and the fact that their whole post is based on a falsehood (that OP was rude, which I see zero indication of such) means I completely reject it as worthwhile. given the original response the op got I would expect “here and there” to have gotten his/her ass kicked after the 3rd grade conflict resolution lecture. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/46 "2014-06-26T04:53:22Z")
If you look like me, they will stop right away. Bawahahaha A few of some of the motorcycle fellas I know used to take ladies into & out of family planning clinics during demonstrations. The demonstrators did not make any threatening moves. yeah, they kept running their mouths but the bats, sticks & paint were not used at all. Did that some when fur & leather clothes got ladies messed with too. I have never had anyone complain about my leather stuff to my face or within my hearing. Might just go to the local biker bar, buy a round and splain your problem to the nastiest guy you see. Better yet, if you are a good looking girl or know one, it might work out better for the girl to do it. \< VEG \> ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/47 "2014-06-26T12:25:08Z")
> [@Macca26](#): > > people are against **here and there** ’s post because of the ridiculous patronizing tone of it, not because of the core message. The tone drips with sarcasm attempting to discredit the core message; it almost implies that they have some better way of handling the situation but couldn’t be bothered to share it. ---
**Author:** ![Calatin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Calatin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calatin)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/48 "2014-06-26T14:55:26Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > The tone drips with sarcasm attempting to discredit the core message; it almost implies that they have some better way of handling the situation but couldn’t be bothered to share it. Exactly. It just came off as sanctimonious garbage. Btw, **Lizzle** , do you have any updates to share? ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/49 "2014-06-26T23:30:15Z")
Ear plugs! Ear plugs! Ear plugs! ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/50 "2014-06-26T23:53:21Z")
A potato in the tail pipe will kill the engine. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/51 "2014-06-27T02:48:56Z")
> [@Calatin](#): > > Maybe someone rigged the car _a la “Speed”_ and the car had to be running throughout the night. Additionally, there was a weight sensor in the driver’s seat, explaining why the man couldn’t get out of the car. Of course, it was a high-stress situation, so that’s why he was so rude to the OP. > > This man is a hero and deserves a medal! Don’t be ridiculous. He’s obviously Kyle Reese, but unfortunately he got sent back in time a little too early. He’ll move along once the Terminator shows up. Until then, he’s gotta keep the car started and at the ready! ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/52 "2014-06-27T12:48:52Z")
The first thing I thought of when the OP mentioned that the guy was in his car for 4 hours with the motor running was that he drove home, and fell asleep in the car before shutting it off. He was drunk and sleeping it off. This might also explain his reaction. Maybe the OP couldn’t smell anything in the car, but I would think that if they were close enough to the window to knock on it and talk to the guy, if he was living in there the odor would knock him/her over. Alcohol should have also provided an odor, but maybe the wind was blowing hard enough for that not to be detected. I don’t know. What he is doing now is being s dick. But that first night? It was clearly a mistake. No one is sitting for 4 hours in their car idling in the middle of the night unless they fell asleep. The only reason I can think of why someone would fall asleep with the car running is they were drunk and passed out. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/53 "2014-06-27T13:09:32Z")
Or they reside in the vehicle and we’re running the engine to run the heater. ---
**Author:** ![GreenElf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/54 "2014-06-27T13:14:27Z")
Just remember that this too shall pass. He’ll grow tired of it after awhile, and tired of spending money on gas. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2014, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/55 "2014-06-27T21:21:59Z")
Call the cops, & tell them he has a club. And was angry. And you are worried. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/56 "2014-06-28T08:00:03Z")
If the op isn’t going to respond to the thread then close it. It’s become pointless. ---
**Author:** ![Lonnie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bc79bd/32.png) [@Lonnie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lonnie)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/57 "2014-06-28T12:40:29Z")
To the OP - I have no idea what to do now other than try to ‘suck up’. Any violence will just escalate the problem. Hindsight is always 20/20. But if you had done nothing the first time, (and what you did was perfectly normal) you would probably not be having this conversation. You never know if people are going to react aggressively, especially someone aroused out of sleep, so you took a chance confronting him. His behavior now is passive aggressive. Good luck and keep us posted as to what happens. He may tire of it, especially at the price of gas these days. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2014, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/58 "2014-06-28T12:51:41Z")
**Or—you could offer him $50 to go park someplace else?** ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2014, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540/59 "2014-06-30T04:11:11Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > The first thing I thought of when the OP mentioned that the guy was in his car for 4 hours with the motor running was that he drove home, and fell asleep in the car before shutting it off. He was drunk and sleeping it off. This might also explain his reaction. > > Maybe the OP couldn’t smell anything in the car, but I would think that if they were close enough to the window to knock on it and talk to the guy, if he was living in there the odor would knock him/her over. > > Alcohol should have also provided an odor, but maybe the wind was blowing hard enough for that not to be detected. > > I don’t know. What he is doing now is being s dick. But that first night? It was clearly a mistake. No one is sitting for 4 hours in their car idling in the middle of the night unless they fell asleep. The only reason I can think of why someone would fall asleep with the car running is they were drunk and passed out. You made me think of [POLICE TURN LIGHTS RED TO STOP DRUNK DRIVERS](http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/05/21/11/14/drunk-drivers-stopped-by-traffic-lights) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiteful-neighbor-driving-me-insane/691540.md?page=2)