Freeloading Karen insists on letting her kids use the neighbor's pool, throws tantrum when neighbor won't agree to her 'pool rules': 'It's my pool, and she's acting like she owns it'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Oct 7, 2024 6:00 PM EDT

When it comes to getting along with your neighbors, the phrase 'sharing is caring' comes to mind. Most people would rather live next door to the guy happy to do them a favor than a Scrooge who takes offense at the slightest upset. At the same time, it is important not to take liberties with the generosity of the neighborhood. It's an easy way to make some fast enemies.

Unfortunately for one man, this was exactly the length he was forced to go to after his textbook Karen neighbor decided that the swimming pool in his yard was the personal property of her family. While at first, he was happy to share, her increasing entitlement and insistence on creating a list of 'pool rules' led him to put his foot down. It comes as no surprise whatsoever that Reddit was outraged that she had been allowed to get away with this.

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    Cheezburger Image 10413424128
    via frank mckenna

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

  • 02
    AITA for Refusing to Let 'Karen' Neighbor Use My Pool After She Demanded I Follow Her Pool Rules?
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 03
    So, I (34M) live in a suburban neighborhood with a decent-sized backyard and a pool. I've always been friendly with my neighbors, including "Karen" (mid-40s F) who moved in next door about a year ago. She seemed nice at first, but as time went on, she started to show her true colors.
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 04
    Over the summer, Karen started coming over with her kids, asking if they could use the pool. At first, I didn't mind because I was usually outside anyway, and the kids seemed to enjoy it. But soon, things got weird. Karen began showing up unannounced, sometimes even when I wasn't home, and I caught her using the pool without my permission.
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 05
    One day, I came home to find Karen and several of her friends having a full-on pool party in my backyard, complete with snacks, music, and pool floats! I confronted her, and she acted like it was no big deal, saying, "Oh, you weren't using it, so I figured it was fine."
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 06
    I told her politely but firmly that she needed to ask before coming over and that I wasn't comfortable with her just assuming she could use the pool whenever. Karen seemed annoyed but agreed to "follow the rules."
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 07
    Then, last week, she took things to a whole new level. Karen knocked on my door with a typed-up list of "pool rules" that she wanted me to follow! Her list included things like:
    via Accurate-Outside-962

  • • No swimming after 5 PM because “her kids have a strict bedtime.”

    • No “loud music” when her family is outside.

    • Mandatory weekend access for her and her kids, but only for their exclusive use.

  • 08
    I thought she was joking at first, but she was dead serious. I laughed and told her there was no way I was following any of her "rules" for my pool. Karen got angry and called me selfish, saying that I was "ruining the neighborhood spirit" and being "unfair to the kids." Now, she's been spreading rumors to other neighbors that I'm a bad guy for not sharing the pool. Some of the neighbors have even said I should "just let it go" to avoid drama. But I feel like this is insane — it's my pool, and s
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 09
    Quick update: Just to let everyone know, my backyard fence doesn't have a lock. I've taken your advice and purchased one from the store, and I'll be installing it tomorrow. For those suggesting I get a camera, I already have one.. But it's not pointing directly at the pool more to the fence entrance
    via Accurate-Outside-962
  • 10
    No_Good_Turn NTA. Karen is insane. Inform her in writing that she and her family are no longer welcome on your property, and if they show up again you will call the authorities. People like her never back down, so you can't either. If you do, you'll never know a moment's peace. Good luck. NTA.
    via No_Good_Turn
  • 11
    FleeshaLoo Yep, she sounds like the "give an inch and they'll take a mile" type of karen.
    via FleeshaLoo
  • 12
    imamakebaddecisions OP should blow this up on the local Next Door app and social media with the whole story and receipts. This is too bizarre to let go and you just know that crazy is telling everybody her spin on the truth. The best defense is a good offense. NTA
    via imamakebaddecisions
  • 13
    Maleficent 1908 Registered letter so she can't deny getting notified.
    via Maleficent_1908
  • 14
    celticmusebooks So you realize Karen will be the first one at your door with a lawyer if one of her kids hurts themselves in your pool, right? Send back Karen's list with edits. We will use our pool whenever we want as it's on our property. Neither you nor your family are allowed on our property under any circumstances. If you or your family members set foot on our property I will be calling the police and you'll be having mandatory time with a police officer exclusively for your family.
    via celticmusebooks
  • 15
    Turmeric Ping NTA, of course. Have you shown your neighbours her conditions? 'Mandatory weekend access for her and her kids, but only for their exclusive use.' She's saying you have to give up using the pool you own on the weekends. The woman is mad. Maybe print an old fashioned circular containing what is in your post, and put it through letterboxes in your neighbourhood. Start it with something on the lines of 'Some stories have been going round about me, told by Karen. Here's what actually ha
    via Turmeric_Ping
  • 16
    Sassy Seductress6 NTA You are absolutely not the in this situation. Karen's behavior is outrageous and entitled. It's your pool, and you have every right to decide who uses it and under what conditions.
    via Sassy_Seductress6
  • 17
    MadameFlora Not trespassing/trespassers will be prosecuted signs, security system with PD/guards service, cameras, fence/gate/locks. Time to go nuclear. NTA.
    via MadameFlora
  • 18
    cherrythedonn Her expectation that you should adhere to her list of rules is unreasonable. She doesn't have the right to dictate how you use your property.
    via cherrythedonn
  • 19
    One_Gear3106 ΝΤΑ It's your pool, and Karen's behavior is way out of line. Setting boundaries and installing a lock is the right call. You don't owe her or anyone access to your property. Stay firm!
    via One_Gear3106

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aita neighbors kids swimming pool reddit thread Reddit karen entitled people
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