“Uninvited Zen: The Woman Who Turned a Stranger’s Yard into Her Personal Yoga Retreat—And Laughed About It!”
Some people may also show a lack of respect because they simply prioritize getting what they want. Even if they know better, they will cross the line, regardless of your relationship with them.
The woman’s disregard for the author’s space seemed to have also stemmed from this mindset. She even accused her neighbor of being “too territorial,” which they had the right to be, given that the yoga classes were becoming intrusive.
There are active and passive approaches to dealing with someone who disrespects your boundaries
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
In cases like this story, the author can take a passive or active approach to dealing with their neighbor’s disrespect and sense of entitlement.
A passive approach involves recognizing that other people’s actions are beyond your control. As NYC-based therapist Kate O’Brien, LCAT, wrote in an article for her website, expressing feedback and concerns is as far as you can go. How the other person responds to it is completely up to them.
Self-assessment is another passive approach. O’Brien recommends checking in with yourself to see how flexible your boundaries are. Are they non-negotiable? Or are you open to some changes if they will work for the situation?
Meanwhile, setting limits and consequences is a more active approach. As O’Brien points out, you should be clear and vocal about these repercussions. Part of setting these limits is walking away from the situation.
The author appeared to have shown enough understanding toward their neighbor and claimed to have politely spoken to her, to no avail. They can take further action, such as escalating the matter to the homeowners association, especially if the yoga classes are becoming disruptive.
