Neighbor expects woman to leave work to drive her to 5 doctor appointments because she hates parking, gets upset when she refuses: ‘I can no longer drive her places’

Author image for Cata Holmes
Cata Holmes • Writer
Aug 13, 2026 2:00 PM EDT

There's a fine line between being a helpful neighbor and becoming someone's personal chauffeur.

One favor here and there? No problem. But this neighbor kept raising the stakes. What started with phone calls about condo emails turned into rides to five doctor appointments, despite her being perfectly capable of driving herself. Then came the request to exchange apartment keys and, most recently, an invitation to watch a Zoom meeting on her neighbor's computer. Boundaries were overdue.

Stories like this are common when people live next to an older neighbor. Sometimes, older people don't have anyone to ask for these things and somehow find a neighbor who is more than willing to help them get their chores done and drive them to appointments. Now, I'm sure that these things happen when people are very elderly and really cannot drive or bring heavy packages inside their home.

This is not the case in the story you're about to read. We're talking about a woman who's not that old: she might be around 60 years old. She met her neighbor and started asking for different types of favours. The first ones were simple, and the OP accepted since she didn't really care. Now, as time went by, these requests were more complicated and even implied her leaving work to help the lady.

The writer thought this was because there might be an issue with her that made her unable to drive or things like that… little did she know that the lady didn't like how the building parking was set up. The lady got so used to these favours that whenever the OP refused, she got mad! This is insane for anyone… the woman only wanted to help a person who ended up being super needy and very demanding.

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  • Neighbor in her apartment after repeatedly asking another resident in the building for help with errands and transportation.
    via Unsplash+ (via Andrey K)

    Neighbor in her apartment after repeatedly asking another resident in the building for help with errands and transportation.

    Model portrayal.

  • My neighbor in an apartment building frequently stops me to chat in the hall, which is fine except for the occasions when it's 6:30 in the morning or I'm carrying a heavy package or something. She seems to have no awareness.
    via EducationalReview237
  • She asked me to call her whenever our condo board sends an email message to let her know what's going on because apparently she has no email. She doesn't text, either. I finally figured out
    via EducationalReview237
  • how to cut our conversations short, because she rambles on and on when I call her. I'm an adult. I gave the condo board my email so I could receive communications with them. Why didn't she?
    via EducationalReview237
  • Then she asked me to drive her to pick up her car at the mechanic, which was fine. Then she asked me to drive her to and pick her up from 5 doctor appointments. At first it was because she had sur ry. Again, understandable.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Then the last few times, she revealed that it was because she hated parking in the parking deck of the facility. So I had to leave work (I work from home) to do this. I finally told her I can no longer drive her places. She seemed hurt and said she'd drive me if I ever needed it.
    via EducationalReview237
  • But the thing is, I'm an adult. I use a mechanic that's within walking distance. I drive to my own doc appointments.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Then she wanted to exchange keys in case we're ever locked out. I politely said no, I have my own system. I don't want her to have my key.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Today she asked if I was attending the upcoming condo board meeting, which will be on Zoom. I said, "Probably." She said, "Could I come and watch on your computer?" I guess she doesn't know how to Zoom? Honestly, I guess it's not
    via EducationalReview237
  • a huge deal to let someone come to watch on Zoom, but given her history of needling her way in, I just don't want to. I figure I'll tell her I won't be home and won't be on the meeting that night.
    via EducationalReview237
  • So, AITA? ETA: She is not elderly. She's 60 or maybe early 60s.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Apartment building hallway where neighbors frequently cross paths and stop to talk outside their homes.
    via Unsplash+ (via Sincerely Media)

    Apartment building hallway where neighbors frequently cross paths and stop to talk outside their homes.

    Photo is a representation of scenes.

  • In the comment section, readers were very supportive of the OP and told her not to leave her job to help this lady. Of course, she had good intentions when giving her a hand, but now that her demands are far more complex, it's important for her to set boundaries and to say no.

  • Silly-Try3901 NTA, like u said a few times is understandable and being a good neighbor but this sounds like too much and is taking advantage of your kindness
    via EducationalReview237
  • spaceylaceygirl Do not leave work to do her favors!
    via EducationalReview237
  • friendlily NTA but you really need to set boundaries because she keeps asking for more and more. It's not your job to be an admin assistant to anyone who is not paying you for this work (don't do it in relationships either).
    via EducationalReview237
  • Forsaken_Lifeguard85 NTA, but she just seems really lonely and sad.
    via EducationalReview237
  • AdaptableAilurophile Info: is this neighbor elderly? If she is she may genuinely need some help. It's totally ok to have boundaries and protect your time and space. She just may need some practical assistance to get set up with text notifications or zoom access. Maybe a heads up to others that she is lonely.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Personal-Piglet1397 She lonely an she now clung to you.u need back off an set her up a zoom thing an leave it at that.an just state sorry I'm working an no won't be logging on as my plans have changed.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Grant Winner_Extra NTA - your time is your time. - Uhhhh I gotta ask - is she your age? because it sounds like she's into you. fwiw.
    via EducationalReview237
  • Woman who began setting firmer boundaries after her neighbor’s requests for favors became increasingly demanding.
    via Unsplash+ (via Paris Bilal)

    Woman who began setting firmer boundaries after her neighbor's requests for favors became increasingly demanding.

    Not actual story subjects.

  • ConflictGullible392 NTA. You've done a lot for her already.
    via EducationalReview237
  • desertboots NTA There's a huge difference in being neighborly (taking a package to her door) and allowing someone to use you. She's trying to use you because of her own fears, inability to learn, or whatever.
    via EducationalReview237
  • shellitabxt125 NTA. It sounds overwhelming. You're a good hearted person to even do this much.
    via EducationalReview237

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