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OP’s new neighbor, Molly, and her four young children moved in next door. Molly, a stay-at-home mom, hoped to make friends with OP. Despite inviting Molly to some activities, OP found her children disruptive and chose to avoid her. Molly expressed her need for support and called OP and their friends “assholes” for excluding her. OP’s husband thinks she’s unreasonable, while OP’s mom advises more sympathy.
In the edit, OP clarified that they asked about food allergies but weren’t aware Molly planned to bring her kids. She also altered the forest walk plan due to her stroller. Considering Molly’s situation as a stay-at-home mom with limited social opportunities, finding a middle ground is essential. Communication and empathy can help avoid further conflict.
Scroll down to read the full story if you think it is interesting.
OP met new neighbors, Molly, a stay-at-home mom, and her trucker husband. After initial social attempts, OP struggled with Molly’s parenting style.
via Reddit
In a small, childless neighborhood, OP socializes with two neighbors. With ample free time, OP’s social circle lacks connections with young children.
via Reddit
Invited Molly, the new neighbor, to lunch and a walk/hike. Molly assumed she could bring her kids both times. OP turned her away due to the unchildproof house.
via Reddit
Molly was upset; she couldn’t leave her kids. OP allowed her to join the walk, but the stroller hindered the forest trip.
via Reddit
OP avoided Molly after her children disrupted their activities and felt Molly’s behavior was inappropriate, suggesting a lack of social cues.
via Reddit
OP excluded Molly from an outing, citing concerns about her children altering the plans. Molly reacted angrily, highlighting differing perspectives on parenting.
via Reddit
OP expressed empathy for Molly’s challenging situation but questioned her expectation of others enduring disruptions for her convenience, leading to a conflict. OP seeks judgment.
via Reddit
OP provided details about Molly’s prior actions, showing that Molly didn’t inform them of her intention to bring her kids. Food was prepared for the expected number.
via Reddit
During a walk, Molly unilaterally changed plans, causing OP and others to walk in the neighborhood, not the forest.
via Reddit
OP confronted Molly, leading to a heated exchange and strained relations. OP later emphasized the need for communication and declining invitations.
via Reddit
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article, too.
Molly’s behavior was inconsiderate, but your reaction and comments could have been more empathetic
Some redditors claim it NTA.
You made efforts to include her, but her insistence on bringing her kids without prior notice and altering plans was unreasonabe.
True.
ESH – While Molly should’ve been more considerate, your abrupt exclusion and some of your comments were also harsh.
Definitely NTA. You tried to include her, but her assumptions and unwillingness to consider others made her the difficult one.
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