New hire is woman who wrecked neighbor’s car

DEAR ABBY » Last year, my acrossthe-street neighbor backed into my car. At least, that’s what I think happened.

My car was parked legally on the street, and there was a huge dent in it. I called the police and, based on the location of the dent and the neighbor’s driveway, the officer determined that the neighbor had backed into it. Furthermore, light blue paint from my car was on her car’s bumper.

When the officer went across the street, the neighbor came running out screaming at him. She was hysterical and belligerent, and she denied it.

Eventually, the officer told me that even though he was certain she did it, there was nothing he could do since it was her word against mine.

I had never met this woman before, but she is mean, and I often hear her screaming and cussing at her small children. Last week, I arrived at work to discover that my company had hired a new clerk. I’ll give you one guess who it is. I don’t think she realizes I’m her neighbor. I must interact with her often at work, and so far, I’ve been professional but chilly toward her.

At some point, she’s going to see me in my yard and realize I’m her neighbor. Should I clear the air now, or should I pretend it never happened? I’m still angry because she cost me a lot of money.

— Angry Neighbor

DEAR NEIGHBOR » I see nothing to be gained by “clearing the air” with someone you know is emotionally unstable.

Let it ride, keep your distance and remain cool. If her problems manifest at the office, she may not be there long. And at home, stay away from her AND her driveway.