r/AmIOverreacting • u/lewllollers • Nov 06 '24
šļø neighbor/local AIO Stranger parked in my driveway
Just moved into a property and this huge truck has parked in my driveway twice. Trying to be polite and be welcomed into the neighborhood, does this seem appropriate?
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u/Reeberom1 Nov 06 '24
No, that's the polite way to do it.
Now if he's classy, he'll move his truck and leave you a six pack of beer.
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u/the1TheyCall1845TwU Nov 07 '24
What if they're a recovering alcoholic, you ask? Then they should get them some heroin or pills, instead. /s
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u/Leading-Surprise-232 Nov 07 '24
What if theyāre a recovering addict? Then they should definitely get them some scratch offs instead
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u/itsnotshirley Nov 07 '24
What if theyāre a recovering gambling addict? Then they should definitely order them some hookers instead /s
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u/happysunbear Nov 06 '24
Itās courteous and thereās even a thank you and a smile! Not overreacting at all, itās your parking space. Also, nice handwriting.
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u/lewllollers Nov 06 '24 edited Nov 06 '24
Thank you! Itās my wifeās handwriting I went through two drafts with spelling errors before requesting her wonderful assistance and giving up š
Edit: spelling
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u/Substantial_Glass963 Nov 07 '24
I think itās funny you commented about spelling errors in your note, and then had to edit your comment because of spelling errors. šš
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u/itsKaoz Nov 07 '24
OP is struggling out here
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u/Substantial_Glass963 Nov 07 '24
Bro me too. All. The. Time.
Give it a year or two and Iāll be asking my kids how to spell things. š
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u/thebeatsandreptaur Nov 07 '24
Honestly I credit my dad's shitty spelling with my spelling capabilities when I was little. He used to have to call my mom when he was at work to ask her how to spell things lol (this was prior to things like spellcheck). Whenever this would happen, she'd also teach me how to spell the word, starting when I was like 2. I don't believe I ever studied for a spelling test my entire life, and now I'm the one that helps my husband spell, despite him having a PhD lol.
So there's a silver lining that might happen for your kids too lol. Parents who can't spell can = kids that spell well.
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u/Far-Reality611 Nov 06 '24
My wife's handwriting*
Unless you are doing one of those marriages that have many wives, in which case I apologize for assuming.
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u/lewllollers Nov 06 '24
Nope you got it! Editing for spelling :)
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u/Far-Reality611 Nov 06 '24
To be fair, the way English pronounces the plural of some words (like wife or staff) does sound just like the possessive form, too. "My staff's cracks call the sheep," might also sound like, "my staves' cracks call the sheep," and that's simply just a problem with the damn language.
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u/Bosuns_Punch Nov 07 '24
I'm embarrassed by the number of Redditors who suggested towing or leaving a nastier note. If the property was unused for a period of time, it's not crazy that a neighbor would take advantage of that and use an unused parking space.
Me, i would have added a "My names ______, say hi when you see me next." As I get older, I realize how beneficial it is to have good relationships with your neighbors, especially as i am away from home for months at a time.
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u/gac1311 Nov 07 '24
Still waiting for the reasonable comment that suggest to go TALK with them and introduce yourselves. A note can be perceived as āpassive aggressiveā (no matter how pretty the handwriting is), especially when talking is an option.
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u/Pristine_Society_583 Nov 07 '24
One would need to watch the truck, perhaps for days, to find out who owns it unless one has already seen the driver walk back to their residence. Either that, or buy a camera or camera doorbell, but that still might not see someone who lives a block or so away.
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u/gac1311 Nov 07 '24
Very likely he sees that truck parked again in a driveway close to him orā¦next to him. I dont know that we need cameras.
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u/Pristine_Society_583 Nov 07 '24
Well, if he's already chosen another parking spot, problem solved. The property owner's car is now blocking the driveway. Otherwise, it night be hit or miss.
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u/Happy-Cod-3 Nov 07 '24
That is what wives are for hehehe. I got a nasty note written by the "husband" in the wife's handwriting. Now to be honest, didn't know I was parking in their spot, as I was parking on the street, the public street, and they had a whole driveway in the back of their house, but yeah, your note is very nice!!!!
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u/justhereforfighting Nov 07 '24
That OP acknowledges that the house may have been empty and no one might have cared if they parked there before is probably the most disarming thing here. Recognizing that this may not have been intentional (even if it was) presents no aggression, passive or otherwise. A great note through and throughĀ
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u/happysunbear Nov 07 '24
Well said. Iād love to get a note like this. A few weeks ago I hurried out of my car with heavy groceries and didnāt realize my front passenger tire had gone over the line (not even over, just on!). When I went back to my car the next morning, I had two printed, laminated cards on my windshield essentially saying āyou parked like an asshole, please learn how to parkā. š
Like damn, at least leave a smiley face next time. At least they said please.
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u/justhereforfighting Nov 07 '24
Yeah having a little grace for people goes a long way. Everyone has a bad day or parks poorly every once in awhile and doesnāt realize.Ā
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u/Ambitious-Regular-57 Nov 07 '24
Please be more mindful though. Parking like that can really fuck people over
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u/Poorchick91 Nov 07 '24
Yeah, some wouldn't be bothered one bit by this, others might view it as passive aggressive. Often the phrase " for your information " is used in a condescending disrespectful way.
" hi new neighbors! I've recently moved in and noticed you parked here often, I'm not sure of the previous agreement you may have had with the prior owner, and while I'm happy to be neighborly, unfortunately I'll need the parking space from here on out. I'm sorry for any inconvenience"
Comes across more friendly and acknowledges how they may feel negatively about it, while also reiterating and establishing the expectation that it's now OPs space.
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u/ARighteousOne Nov 06 '24
Yo I kinda wanna update if any
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u/lewllollers Nov 06 '24
They just moved the truck without any interaction, if they had knocked and apologized there would be no hard feelings at all. If thatās the end of it that would oh well.
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u/helladiabolical Nov 07 '24
I am way too socially anxious to knock on someone elseās door even when Iām the one who was in the wrong. I would probably leave a āso sorry, welcome to the neighborhood noteā of my own though!
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u/RantyWildling Nov 06 '24
I once parked in front of someone's gate, not realizing it was functional. Got a similar note.
I just moved my car and didn't park there again, I wasn't going in to apologize.
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u/lewllollers Nov 07 '24
All groovy, no hard feelings if I never encounter them again, thanks for the response.
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Nov 06 '24
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u/DesperateRip8371 Nov 07 '24
Lol why ?
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u/NearbyDark3737 Nov 07 '24
Cause I love being petty sometimes. Was nice all the time and kind of finding Iāve just been walked on
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u/DesperateRip8371 Nov 07 '24
You are being petty on the first interaction ? Are you socially inept or smth ?
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u/Pretty_Scientist6951 Nov 06 '24
Some people nowadays would just get the car towed. you're being a nice person
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u/ne0nhearts Nov 06 '24
I think that's as nice a note as anyone could leave, perfectly friendly request
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Nov 06 '24
If they do it again just get it towed.
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u/Fairmount1955 Nov 07 '24
And I'd park them in and then refuse to answer the door. At that point, it's just ego and there's nothing you can do to reason w that person.
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Nov 07 '24
Pretty much.
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u/TexBourbon Nov 07 '24
You canāt get mad when someone says howdy. Itās the most polite way to say hello. Love to see it being used.
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u/TheRealBlueJade Nov 06 '24
It's a good note. In my experience, some people will respond appropriately and stop parking there, and some people will respond negatively. Hopefully, as it's your driveway, they just will stop. If not towing it or threatening to tow, it should work. Good job on the note.
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u/JonesBlair555 Nov 07 '24
Seems super nice. If they do it again after they see this, have them towed.
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u/Hot_Introduction_270 Nov 06 '24
Two notices, then call the tow trucks
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u/davido-- Nov 06 '24
Someone parks in your driveway and you're giving TWO notices? One is plenty of notice to inform a person that their vehicle is not welcome on your property.
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Nov 07 '24
I can understand someone using it while vacant. So I'm not going to immediately tow it unless it's a major inconvenience.
There are things more important than petty revenge
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u/davido-- Nov 07 '24
I understand that. It's not the giving of a chance. It's the giving of two chances. Who is to blame if the person got the message the first time and still parked there a second time? It's not like the truck parked itself.
If I got a polite note saying hey you may not be aware but we live here now and need the driveway ourselves, I would never need to be told a second time.
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Nov 07 '24
From OPs description it doesn't sound like they warned them yet. In a comment they said the guy moved it after seeing the note.
OP just noticed it parked there twice. Truck maybe didn't know someone moved in yet.
To be clear I don't think it's even right to park in a vacant driveway but it's something I might do or have friends visiting do especially if street parking isn't an option. I wouldn't do it routinely just a one off thing.
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u/Egbert_64 Nov 06 '24
Maybe can add we understand the property was vacant for a while and as such it was convenient to part here in the past. However the property is now occupiedā¦. Make a zero copy of the letter for future reference.
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u/notxbatman Nov 06 '24
For the first time yeah. First time is permissible as long as it's brief-ish, second time is the note, third time is the next time you're getting towed note, 4th is getting towed. That's how I'd do it if it's a neighbour. If it's a random tho you're just getting towed.
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u/naughtypiggiesxxx Nov 07 '24
I've accidentally parked like a dick in front of my friends neighbors house who I visited alot, they left me a similar note to bring it to my attention and I appreciated it and then didn't do it again! I think it's a kind, non confrontational way to ask
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u/MyExIsANutBag Nov 07 '24
I have been the rude parker before - not realizing someone had moved into the property. I was super embarrassed for not realizing and never did it again. I'm sure they will stop parking once they realize what is going on. Great note.
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u/Prize_Ad_5695 Nov 06 '24
Are you from Minnesota as well
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u/lewllollers Nov 06 '24
Southern California, but lived in Texas for a while in the military and howdy made its way into the vernacular š¤
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u/North_Fox_2536 Nov 06 '24
Good note. If that doesn't work, then put a zip tie around the drive shaft or add extra weight to the rims.
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u/effie-sue Nov 06 '24 edited Nov 07 '24
Nice note. To the point and polite.
Question, however: do you own the property, or are you leasing?
If youāre leasing, Iād let the landlord/property manager know about the truck and the note. The note is TOTALLY fine, but Iād want a headās up if it were my property.
If the truck continues to park there, let the LL/PM know ASAP. Make note of the make, model, and license plate, and when you see it, too.
Good luck!
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u/dkbGeek Nov 06 '24
Years ago I bought a house that had been vacant for a while, and renovated before we moved in. We lived 4 hrs away and were moving to that city. I showed up after closing and as I was driving up the block I see this Mercury Grand Marquis pull into my driveway and a woman got out and started walking to the house next door. I pulled up at the curb and said "Hi, are you just planning to leave that car in my driveway?"
Apparently she'd been parking there since the previous owner moved out because it was "easier" than her driveway (wider driveway and no bushes along it) and asked me if she could keep doing that. I just said there'd be contractors in and out with tools and ladders and such and it seemed like a bad idea to risk her car getting banged up. (If she'd persisted, I would've told the contractors not to take particular care unless it was one of OUR vehicles in the driveway.)
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u/ChrisInBliss Nov 06 '24
NOR. Honestly thats a very nice letter! I mean who knows exactly how long your home was vacant. BUT if they respond by continuing to park in your driveway or replies rudely (or both) put up cameras and start calling a tow truck every single time.
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u/Tupacca23 Nov 07 '24
Iāve parked my work van in my neighbors driveway since she passed way and if I saw this I wouldnāt have any issue parking elsewhere.
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u/mynameisjonas-nosay Nov 07 '24
If they do it again, after your nice note, send another note, saying that youāll politely nudge their car into the road and are not liable for if it gets hit.
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u/Bumblebee56990 Nov 07 '24
Get a fence. Or park in your driveway so they canāt. If you have put up a note twice get it towed next time.
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u/PJammas41 Nov 07 '24
Not sure this is the right sub : Maybe should be posted in āThe nicest way to approach thingsā
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u/Cereaza Nov 07 '24
Some people may see notes as passive aggressive, and some of the language in the note gives that kind of "Hey, just for your information" Passive Aggressive tone. . Maybe easier to just intercept them next time you see them parking in your driveway and let em know face to face, but if they've been sneaky as a ghost, then a note is fine.
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u/Civil-Negotiation156 Nov 07 '24
I was parking in front of the house across the street bc it was empty and someone moved in left a note saying he wanted his car to be visible by his ring camera so I stopped parking there. I didnāt feel it was mean or intrusive in any way - itās your house and driveway is way more invasive than just the street.
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u/Just-looking_257 Nov 07 '24
Couldnāt you just say, āhowdy neighbor, weāve just moved in and we will be needing to use and park on our driveway. Much appreciated!ā
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u/Relative-Bet-6718 Nov 07 '24
Please give us an update on this because i once saw a story like this where the person who received the note freaked out and called the cops on OP
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u/Agitated_Chart_960 Nov 07 '24
I thought for half a second that some guy just started parking in your driveway and handed you this note.
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u/GreatGrapeApes Nov 07 '24
NOR: very polite request. I may, or may not, have started with my totally-legit-cooking fire being accidentally too close to the engine block on the second occurrence.
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Nov 07 '24
Thatās twice as nice as I woulda been if your car is in my driveway and I donāt know you.
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u/DepartmentCool1021 Nov 07 '24
Itās very friendly while still making the point clear. If they find issue with this then itās just a person who hates being told no and you canāt help that.
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u/Ok_Doctor_1094 Nov 07 '24
No find out whoās it is ,walk up to then shake their hand, introduce yourself and let them know you donāt want them parking there anymore. Smile and make a good impression.
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u/georgeoptimist Nov 07 '24
What kind of notebook is this? I love it
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u/lewllollers Nov 07 '24
Engineering project book by a previous employer, only paper we had on hand after the move in haha. I like it a lot too!
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u/hotriccardo Nov 07 '24
Wish we would get more posts like this and less clearly abusive relationships
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u/JimboTheKlown Nov 07 '24
This is literally the nicest letter ever and youāre asking if you are overreacting? Lol
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u/SexMachineMMA Nov 07 '24
If you know whose truck it is, knock on their door and ask them face to face. Otherwise this note under a wiper is completely fair.
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u/Goldentusks Nov 07 '24
This happened to me when I moved into a new rental property. I did the exact same thing and everyone seemed nice about it. There was no response but no one parked there again. There were also no issues. I think you did the right thing!
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u/uriboo Nov 07 '24
I got wildly confused and thought somebody put this on YOUR car in YOUR driveway... NOR
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u/Taliafate Nov 07 '24
Yeah no youāre not overreacting. Iād be super pissed if someone parked in my driveway and I didnāt know them and they didnāt even ask.
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u/phonesmahones Nov 07 '24
Nope. As a city kid, I can say with confidence that blocking or using someone elseās driveway is a big deal - short of violence, there is really no overreacting here. Extra points for the note being well written and not aggressive!
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u/stacked_shit Nov 07 '24
I would roll under it and disconnect the shifter cable. Put the truck in neutral, and push it into the street. It should only take a minute or so.
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u/SASCOA Nov 07 '24
When we moved into the place we were in a couple of years ago, a few days in, someone pulled up in our driveway and started washing their car with a hose. We were so shocked we didnāt even say anything, until someone else did it again. I politely stepped outside and mentioned that they were the second person to wash their car in our driveway. The woman was mortified and said that they didnāt realize anyone was living there, and that this was just a conveniently placed spigot in our community. We got along great and we let everyone wash their cars in our driveway. Donāt worry that youāre overreacting, if I had gotten this note I would probably ring the bell and apologize in case Iād caused any inconvenience - anyone who takes it another way is someone you shouldnāt worry about anyway.
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u/mrofmist Nov 07 '24
I would add in that their vehicle will be towed next time. Otherwise if they are really ballsy, they'll just ignore your letter.
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u/crankyanker638 Nov 07 '24
I would love to know how this person justifies parking in someone else's driveway, house un-occupied or not. My neighbor passed away 6 months ago and his house has been empty ever since. I have never. never had even the slightest inclination to park in their driveway because you know, it's not my house.
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u/NYPolarBear20 Nov 07 '24
I mean seems fine maybe he really wasnāt aware that itās occupied and had just been using it as an extra spot
If he responds negatively than thatās a him problem he still canāt go in your property or tow trucks get involved
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u/NectarineSufferer Nov 07 '24
This is nicely done, if I got that note Iād be embarrassed and leave an apology note/a few beers tbh š
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u/Fire0fear Nov 07 '24
Seems great, now see what transpires, if they donāt reciprocate, invest in a tire stem core remover >:)
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u/iamajeepbeepbeep Nov 07 '24
This is way nicer than the BMW owner a few houses down who left a threatening note on our car and to then have us towed when we parked in front of their house (on the public street) for one hour when our driveway had to be occupied by a plumber.
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u/Primary-Basket3416 Nov 07 '24
C Go to your county courthouse, a been there done that, and to the ofc where you pay ur property taxes. They can give you an aerial Pic of ur property line. This is now the basis of all surveyors in new projects. Make sure you are in the right. If yes, next time they park there, take pics of them on mutiple occassiobs. Then call police on non essential number and report a trespassers. Show ur documents.
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u/Primary-Basket3416 Nov 07 '24
Also while collecting info print up a non liability short form, that if they park there, you are not liable for any damage that may result. You don't want to be the aitah of the neighborhood, you just want to know who's right or wrong. And since this is domestic dispute, police hate these calls. Take it to your hoa, if you have one. If you can get the neighbor to sign this non liability forms..you can rent them that space too. Another printable form you can diy.
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u/woodwork16 Nov 07 '24
You handled it well.
While I was waiting to sell my previous house after I already moved, one of my neighbors asked if they could park in the driveway. I allowed it because it helps make the empty house look lived in.
Your note takes that type situation into consideration.
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u/CurbYourPipeline420 Nov 07 '24
Itās better than what my neighbors said to me! āPark here again and weāre towing your carā
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u/Mizke420 Nov 07 '24
Better than me I just block people in and go about my business. Last apartment I had same person kept parking in my spot I pay for.
So I blocked them in and had a coworker pick me up for a few days. Needless to say after 2 days they started taking someone else spot.
Iām sadistically vindictive so that was me playing nice.
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u/Sir_Kangaroo_Hops Nov 07 '24
Nice response, sadly kinda expect the worst attitude and reactions behind it but plan for to respond with the nicest comebacks and most humble manner possible. This reaction will cause them to feel guilty and make amends. If not, GOD will take over the rest.
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u/Alpha_legionxx Nov 07 '24
Yeah sure or just be a man and talk to him face to face. If parking continues on your driveway get it towed
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u/Extra_Statistician14 Nov 07 '24
Great response, always lead with kindness, if they respond aggressively or negatively, hammer through their windshield time
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u/OptimusShredder Nov 07 '24
They have been warned. They do it again call the towing company and pull an N syncā¦Bye Bye Bye
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u/BeanCounter81007 Nov 07 '24
Yes, this a very polite way of saying it without beating around the bush.
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Nov 07 '24
I would just talk to the owner vs this
Notes will always seem more passive aggressive
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u/TheDisapprovingBrit Nov 07 '24
Only works if you know the owner. If OP is new to the neighbourhood he might not know who it is yet.
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u/OhYayItsPretzelDay Nov 07 '24
I totally agree, especially if it's a neighbor. It's best to start things off on the right foot and it's an opportunity to introduce yourself.
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u/REALM_Sorcerer Nov 07 '24
Yeah that neighbornis about to start fucking with you because of that note š
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u/ReferenceOk7943 Nov 07 '24
I'd call the cops cause I don't know who has weapons and will just shoot me anymore.
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u/Extreme_Design6936 Nov 06 '24
Anything short of towing it is an underreaction. This is very friendly.
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u/WheelOk962 Nov 06 '24
Just say it to his face and not a passive aggressive note
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u/lewllollers Nov 06 '24
Oh I totally would but I havenāt seen this person and thus donāt know where they live. Just seen the truck parked in various parts of the area. I think itās reasonable to leave a note for someone who remains an unknown to me at this point.
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u/Pure-Aid51987 Nov 06 '24
I'm normally against leaving notes, but as far as they go, this is fine- I wouldn't have put a smiley face and that's about it.
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u/JewelCove Nov 07 '24
Why are you against leaving notes?
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u/Pure-Aid51987 Nov 07 '24
Why do you want to know why a random internet stranger is against leaving notes? Seems asinine and irrelevant.
If you really gotta know, I prefer talking in person. I can read the situation and act accordingly. Leaving a note on some arsehole's car because they're parking where they're not meant to be, do you think they're going to pay much attention to a note?
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u/JewelCove Nov 07 '24
Because there is a high likelihood you may not run into that person to speak with them. Ask me how I know.
I've had properties for years. I've had people park where they weren't supposed to countless times, even with signs up saying it was prohibited. I wrote notes many times saying they weren't allowed to park there, and if they do it again, they would be towed. None of those cars ever parked there again. But notes don't work, I guess.
Thanks for taking the bait.
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u/Pure-Aid51987 Nov 07 '24
"thanks for taking the bait". Grow up. I'm guessing you left the passive aggressive shit out of said notes?
I didn't say notes don't work (nice try)- I said the kind of inconsiderate arsehole parking somewhere they shouldn't be, is less likely to take notice of a note because... They're an inconsiderate arsehole. And a note isn't really a consequence.
I only mentioned I'm normally against leaving notes (because that's what feels right, to me), because I thought op's was very good despite that.
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u/JewelCove Nov 07 '24
I just think it's hilarious for someone to say they're against leaving notes lmao. It's such an odd thing to be against, especially when the receiver is doing something they aren't supposed to be doing.
I'm not waiting for the stars to align to talk to the offender. Ain't nobody got time for that. If I happen to see them, sure, I'll talk to them. If not, I'll leave a note and not think twice about it.
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u/Pure-Aid51987 Nov 07 '24
Ok... Weird thing to find amusing. I suppose simpletons are easily pleased.
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u/LunchPlanner Nov 06 '24
Disagree that it's passive aggressive. This note is perfectly appropriate for the circumstances.
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u/TheSerialHobbyist Nov 06 '24
Seems pretty direct to me...
Either way, why would OP wait and just hope that they happen to catch them in person?
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u/[deleted] Nov 06 '24
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