We're aware that dates on the forum are not currently showing correctly, and that mobile users may see some extra spacing between threads. Please bear with us while we get this fixed.
We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site Feedback for updates.
voyeuristic neighbours
Comments
-
I'm overlooked on both sides and while I don't know if they are looking into my home it's uncomfortable.
I've put net curtains in the bedroom and one over the patio doors that can be drawn. This makes the window a mirror so I can see out but others can't see in.
I also have dutch blinds outside at the back. When they are dropped even half way they can't see in but I can see my garden.
One spot is still annoying me. I intend to put a couple of posts with a trellis between and grow something pretty climbing up.
I had similar in my last house. School staff learning on a wall opposite smoking and staring in.
It's annoying to enter a room in your home to find someone staring at you through the window. Unsettling. You're never sure if you are being watched.
So I have sympathy for the op.
It makes a huge difference to know that you can go about your daily life in private.I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!
viral kindness .....kindness is contageous pass it on
The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well
2 -
Hi,twopenny said:
I had similar in my last house. School staff learning on a wall opposite smoking and staring in.12 -
Not the same as refusing to use your garden though, is it?All the gardens where I am are overlooked. People stand in the window smoking, and if they see movement outside, they look that way because that’s just natural.
if people have so little going on in their lives that they want to watch me gardening it doesn’t bother me. I just carry on with what I’m doing. They’ll get bored soon enough.Expecting people not to look in your garden when that’s the view they have from wherever they happen to be standing, it’s a little bit of an overreaction in my book.All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.7 -
I think it's easy to assume people are watching you when they are just gazing in a general direction without really paying attention. Try it - get somebody to stand in an upstairs window of your house then go into the garden, then try to guess what they're looking at. I bet you it isn't always you but it will feel like they are watching you because they're above you and at a window.
I like to stand in the windows of my house - front and back - and I worry that neighbours or people in the street will think I'm watching them specifically, when really I'm just soaking up some daylight, enjoying the breeze, watching birds in the park etc.
If you won't want people to be able to see in, you can buy blinds or one way window film to still allow light in but prevent people looking in. If your garden, try a canopy or gazebo if there's somewhere you particularly like to sit. If you don't like the possibility of being watched, you're going to have to pay for a home that isn't overlooked.1 -
If you're particularly worried - you could add a layer of silver reflective one way film to your windows. During the day, nobody can see in. During the evening you've got your curtains closed anyway. It does reduce light into the house, but not as much as blinds do.
0 -
If you stand in your own garden and look back into your house during the day you will see that it's very difficult to see inside, and even harder the further back you go. If it's night time just simply draw the curtains2
-
I stare out my window in the day, I'm just looking out, not watching anyone in particular.
My neighbours garden overlooks mine and I just accept it. If they really want to watch me in my garden doing yoga, or watch my toddler run around naked I suppose they can 🤷♂️ not sure why they would choose to though.
It might be you reading more into this than is happening and you should try to ignore it. It's actually difficult to see in peoples windows due to the reflection so unless it's the dead of night and you have the light on, I doubt they can see much.0 -
OP, have you tried calling over to them, even if it’s just “hello” so they’re aware that you’re aware of their presence?0
-
You sound very paranoid. If they are smokers, of course they are going to spend several hours every day on their balcony. During the daytime, there's almost no way of them being able to see into your house. And at night, I assume that you have your curtains closed. Just because you are within eyesight of them, it does not mean that they are watching you.0
-
At least they are not complaining about grass clippings from your lawn going into their flower border0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.6K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards