Dear Prudence

What was he thinking?

Advice by

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May 10, 2026 7:16 PM

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Nadezhda Kurbatova/Getty Images Plus and Florin Cristian Ailenei/iStock/Getty Images Plus.

Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column. Submit questions here .

Dear Prudence,

My husband and I bought what was supposed to be our dream home in a beautiful neighborhood. Unfortunately, the house next to us is occupied by the neighborhood crank, an ancient lady who endlessly curses at us and threatens to call the police if we so much as barbecue in our backyard with friends after 7:00 p.m.…