Motherhood is a journey full of highs and lows, and sometimes, people think they can exploit your kindness. Hi, I’m Annie, and here’s a tale of how I turned the tables on a neighbor who saw me as her personal, unpaid nanny.
Picture a serene suburban neighborhood—pristine lawns, friendly waves, and block parties that end by 9 p.m. That was my peaceful life until Megan moved in next door.
From day one, Megan made it clear she thought the world revolved around her. With her high-end designer purse and a self-important stride, she embodied the term “extra.”
I respect single moms—they work hard. But Megan seemed to wear her status like a badge of entitlement. I became her go-to person for free childcare.
“Hi, I’m Megan,” she said, introducing herself and her daughter, Lily. “I hear you’re home all day. Can you watch Lily for me? My schedule is just so hectic!”
A woman with a little girl | Source: AmoMama
Though uneasy, I agreed to help in emergencies. But what started as an occasional favor quickly escalated into a daily routine. Megan’s “emergencies” were constant—hair appointments, shopping sprees, you name it. I found myself juggling two kids while she enjoyed her personal time.
The final straw was one Tuesday when Megan barged in during my virtual doctor’s appointment. “Annie, emergency! I need to get my nails done. Can you watch Lily?” She left before I could protest, leaving me with a growing sense of frustration.
That night, I vented to my husband, Dan. “I’m always available for her, but when I asked for a favor, she refused!”
Dan nodded. “You need to set boundaries. It’s not fair to you or Tommy.”
I agreed and decided to take action. The next week, I found the perfect opportunity. When Megan asked me to babysit again, I proposed my new “babysitting business.”
“Hey Megan, I’ve started a babysitting service. I’d be happy to offer you a discounted rate of $15 an hour,” I said with a smile.
Her face dropped. “Fifteen dollars an hour? That’s outrageous!”
Feigning sympathy, I replied, “Childcare is expensive. Finding affordable help is crucial, don’t you think?”
Megan stormed off, clearly upset. Over the next few weeks, I fully embraced my role as a “professional” babysitter, complete with mock invoices and rate sheets. Megan was furious when I charged her for a late pick-up, but I stood my ground.
Word spread, and soon other neighbors followed suit. Megan found herself unable to find anyone to babysit for free. She was forced to hire a professional sitter.
Seeing her struggle with her new reality was oddly satisfying. The constant knocks on my door ceased, and a quiet peace returned to our neighborhood.
One evening, I saw Megan struggling with groceries. For a moment, I considered offering help but then remembered all the times she had left me in the lurch.
“Some people need to carry the weight of their actions,” I muttered, turning away.
Megan soon learned that free favors don’t last forever and had to face the consequences of her entitlement. Sometimes, setting boundaries is the best revenge.
Have you ever had to deal with an entitled neighbor? How did you handle it? Share your stories in the comments!
