PLAGUED BY MY BULLYING NEIGHBOURS

Dear Coleen

I’m a single man and have been for some time due to my role as the sole carer to my father every evening. I’ve also been the victim of bullying and cyberbullying from neighbours across the road who shout abuse about me being “gay” (I’m not) and “mental”.

I’ve reported it to the police, but it only left me feeling more distressed and even less confident.

Exercise and my family are keeping me going, but this bullying is preventing me from going out and meeting women and it’s starting to affect my physical health, too. All my other neighbours are friends, but I’m at a loss as to what to do about these bullies. Any advice would be appreciated.

Coleen says

If you’re friends with the other neighbours, it might be worth asking for their support. No one should have to put up with this.

And go to the police again. Keep putting complaints in and log everything they do or say to you. Record the abuse on your phone. Set up a camera at your house, and get evidence in case you need it.

Regarding the name calling (I get called every name under the sun), find that part of you that thinks: “You can say what you like, I’m not going to stop living my life.”

I know it’s very draining and unfair, but don’t let it ruin your life. And don’t shut out your friends and neighbours because they can help to build your confidence.

This nasty lot are a minority of narrow-minded people who are clearly unhappy and insecure themselves.