Until Tim moved in next door, I had lived contentedly in a quiet area with friendly neighbors, happy children, and well maintained lawns for more than ten years. Tim first seemed friendly and eager to fit in the neighborhood, expressing a longing for a quiet life away from the city.

We spoke politely, and I hoped we would click. But things changed when Tim wanted to use my driveway while his was under repair. Citing pragmatism, I gently turned away from two cars of my own and the children’s constant comings and departing. Tim answered negatively, puffed off, but I felt I had been honest and fair.

For illustrative purpose only. Freepik

Things got out of hand when I realized Tim had spray-painted “SELFISH JERK” on my yard in bright orange. I challenged him, but he disregarded it as a hoax, which fueled my indignation.

With minimal police recourse, I sought the assistance of my brother Andrew, who owns a landscaping business. Andrew created a scheme to employ a nontoxic chalk-based color with a modern sprinkler system. We spent the day putting fresh sod and preparing the dye system.

For illustrative purpose only. Freepik
Tim was out walking his dog on Sunday when he got showered in vivid blue water from the new sprinklers. His astonished expression and blue-stained garments were just what I was looking for.

Tim, now embarrassed, challenged me, but I mocked him with the same contemptuous tone he had showed me. Tim’s disruptive conduct has subsided after that episode, but I remain attentive and ready to respond to any future provocations.