Pushy neighbor
We camped in Sterling State Park, MI, last week. Upon arrival, we barely came to a stop in our pull through site and got out when I noticed a young boy pull up on his bike in the grass between our site and the site next to us. As we went about the business of setting up after our 7 hours on the road, he sat and stared at our trailer for a few minutes. My son and I talked about our jobs that we always do as I unlocked the various compartments, and as I returned to the truck to begin unhitching, now the kid is off his bike and hanging his head in the bed of my truck looking around, taking inventory.
I was somewhat taken aback at his lack of boundaries. He didn't even say "Hi", he just started asking if he could help. Not sure of his motives and not knowing him from Adam, I thanked him, but assured him we could handle it. I began to unhitch as my son started cranking down stabilizers and again he asked if he could help. 20 seconds had transpired since the last offer. Again, thanked him but said "we got this". Sewer hookup, same thing. Water hookup, ditto. I engaged him in some small talk but this only seemed to embolden him. After he followed us around like a lost duckling for five minutes or so, he began to pester my son about going bike riding and fishing. He apparently presumed we were new at this (RVing) and was determined that we needed his help in some way. We were all getting perturbed with his presence and I think he sensed it. At one point, he helped himself to a trip up our front steps and a long gaze inside the trailer (uninvited!). The only thing that stopped him from coming inside was my son standing in the way.
I was getting a little testy at his over-assertive nature when I told him politely but firmly, we need to get set up and eat supper and possibly then we could talk about other activities. He finally got the hint and peddled away. I was positive that we would be seeing him every time we went outside all weekend and was dreading the prospect of a ruined stay because of an overbearing neighbor who seemed to believe we were there solely to visit him.
As it turned out, we passed in close proximity several times over the weekend and he didn't even acknowledge our presence. I honestly believe he probably does this to virtually everybody who pulls in and likely forgets who he pestered and who he didn't. I don't think he even recognized us after that. The whole thing was very strange. I have never had anyone act like he did anywhere we've stayed previous. He reminded me of the neighbors my parents had for years who became so "friendly" and imposing, they were actually waiting at the patio door every day they came home.
I don't generally assume the worst about people until I know them a little and they confirm my suspicions. This kid was way over the line from the get-go. He may have been an only child. He may have been highly intelligent. He may have been bored and driving his Mom crazy. He may have been casing our stuff for an opportunity to steal. Plenty of possibilities, but none of them what we consider normal behavior. Anybody else ever have someone insert themselves into your camping trip like this? I'm not beyond bluntly telling someone to get lost, but sometimes the benefit of the doubt pushes my limits, especially when it's immediately obvious.
I was somewhat taken aback at his lack of boundaries. He didn't even say "Hi", he just started asking if he could help. Not sure of his motives and not knowing him from Adam, I thanked him, but assured him we could handle it. I began to unhitch as my son started cranking down stabilizers and again he asked if he could help. 20 seconds had transpired since the last offer. Again, thanked him but said "we got this". Sewer hookup, same thing. Water hookup, ditto. I engaged him in some small talk but this only seemed to embolden him. After he followed us around like a lost duckling for five minutes or so, he began to pester my son about going bike riding and fishing. He apparently presumed we were new at this (RVing) and was determined that we needed his help in some way. We were all getting perturbed with his presence and I think he sensed it. At one point, he helped himself to a trip up our front steps and a long gaze inside the trailer (uninvited!). The only thing that stopped him from coming inside was my son standing in the way.
I was getting a little testy at his over-assertive nature when I told him politely but firmly, we need to get set up and eat supper and possibly then we could talk about other activities. He finally got the hint and peddled away. I was positive that we would be seeing him every time we went outside all weekend and was dreading the prospect of a ruined stay because of an overbearing neighbor who seemed to believe we were there solely to visit him.
As it turned out, we passed in close proximity several times over the weekend and he didn't even acknowledge our presence. I honestly believe he probably does this to virtually everybody who pulls in and likely forgets who he pestered and who he didn't. I don't think he even recognized us after that. The whole thing was very strange. I have never had anyone act like he did anywhere we've stayed previous. He reminded me of the neighbors my parents had for years who became so "friendly" and imposing, they were actually waiting at the patio door every day they came home.
I don't generally assume the worst about people until I know them a little and they confirm my suspicions. This kid was way over the line from the get-go. He may have been an only child. He may have been highly intelligent. He may have been bored and driving his Mom crazy. He may have been casing our stuff for an opportunity to steal. Plenty of possibilities, but none of them what we consider normal behavior. Anybody else ever have someone insert themselves into your camping trip like this? I'm not beyond bluntly telling someone to get lost, but sometimes the benefit of the doubt pushes my limits, especially when it's immediately obvious.
