What's the etiquette on neighbor-gawking?
One of the quirks of my apartment is that it's in a little alley, really close to a bunch of other apartment buildings. This, combined with the big windows in my room, means that I can look into my neighbors' apartment like a big-screen TV; they can look into mine.
I got a weird note in the letterbox this afternoon.
Text: Hello US Citizen! It's your neighbor speaking... I have a problem with your 'window manners' -- It's quite problematic having you sitting in facel(?)-front many hours a day without making it cover or anything. I feel overlooked [this is Danglish for 'watched'] and compromised. XXX, Mel.
First of all, how did they know that I'm American? It's not like I'm sitting in front of my computer, draped in an American flag.
Second, what's the etiquette here? They can see me as well as I can see them, and I just sort of thought this was one of the quirks of urban living. You hear other people's music, smell their cooking, and glimpse them through the window every once in awhile. I don't really see why I should be the one to close my blinds and sit in my room in the dark all day, since they're the ones that have a problem with it.
Am I being a total dick here?
Comments
Usually people aren't that fussed in DK about curtains and people looking... There IS an unwritten rule that you don't look inside other people's houses even when there are no curtains... although obviously that's impossible in many cases... but ya know as long as you are not stalking her or using binoculars... just sitting there minding your own business... it's entirely her problem. Nothing really you can do about it.
Did Mel propose some kind of rata system later? I'll close my blinds from 10 to noon, you from noon to 2, open season 2 to 5?
"XXX"? What's up with that? lol
Later, take the binoculars away. Your neighbour will be glad of this and find your presence less obtrusive.
Good luck!
Perhaps it's an invitation?
To me it looks like the name is not "Mel" but "Niels"
(continued) which means it's a guy, not a girl. ;-)
You're not being a dick. He should get some blinds - problem solved.