Moocher neighbors need solid boundaries
Dear Amy: My much younger sister and her husband recently decided to purchase the home next door to my husband and me.
My husband was not happy about this. He thinks they are "cheap," and "moochers." (They do have that reputation in the family.)
He feels they should've asked us before making the offer on the house next to us.
My husband told me that he is not going to start "giving them things" or "letting them mooch" just because they are our neighbors now, and that he wants to remain firm.
Within a day of them moving into their new house, they asked us for our Wi-Fi password. My husband told them no. A few days later, they asked for a whole list of household items. My husband said no to all of it.
My sister came to me, saying that they were hurt and confused by my husband saying no. Amy, I caved and gave her everything she asked for, including the password.
My husband was furious and said that I enable this sort of behavior. My feeling is that we are neighbors now, so why start the relationship off on the wrong foot? Yes, they can be demanding, but I love my sister, and if I can help her, I feel like we should.
Am I wrong here?
-- Big Sister
Dear Keeper: Yes, I'd say you are wrong to share your Wi-Fi password with your sister-neighbor. The neighbors' internet use could compromise the speed in your own home, and depending on their use (and your plan), could cause you to have overages. They could decide to share the password with others. And if/when your internet goes down, they will come knocking on your door to reset your router.
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