‘That’s the problem with being too nice’: Aussie mum’s generosity backfires
- Replies 6
Generosity and good manners are part of everyday life, especially when it comes to helping out neighbours.
A simple favour here and there is usually no big deal—until someone takes it a step too far.
What started as an act of kindness quickly turned into an unbelievable situation that left one Aussie mum completely stunned.
Aussies are known for their generosity, always ready to lend a hand to their neighbours.
‘Sure, chuck that extra rubbish in my bin.’
‘No worries, I’ll grab your mail while you’re away.’
‘Might as well mow your side while I’m at it.’
Mateship is part of the culture, but what happens when that generosity is stretched too far?
That’s the dilemma one mum, Sarah, recently faced after allowing her neighbours to use her garden hose.
Taking to social media, Sarah shared her disbelief over what happened after she agreed to let her new neighbours borrow her hose.
‘When we first moved into this house, our neighbours knocked on our door and asked us if it would be OK to use our hose,’ she explained, adding that she was happy to oblige.
The hose, a retractable unit fixed to the side of her house, was there to be shared—so long as they put it back properly.
But the issue wasn’t returning it.
It was what they were using it for.
Sarah had assumed her neighbours needed the hose for something simple, like watering their garden or filling a bucket.
Instead, six months after moving in, she was stunned to discover them using it to shower—right in their driveway.
‘Fully showering, like I’m talking brought out the front on their driveway shampoo and conditioner and soap…Are they just taking the piss?’ she asked her followers.
The response was unanimous—her neighbours had crossed the line.
‘That’s the problem with being too nice, some people take advantage,’ one person commented.
‘You’re paying for someone else to use your water,’ another pointed out.
‘They are 100% taking advantage of you,’ agreed a third.
Suggestions came pouring in.
Some advised her to be upfront and tell them her water bills had increased, making it impossible to keep sharing.
Others suggested a more direct approach—removing the hose altogether.
‘Remove the hose and if they question why tell them you are not willing to pay for their household’s water,’ one person wrote.
‘Go over to theirs and use their oven,’ another joked.
Sarah took the advice to heart—well, at least the part about removing the hose.
Updating her followers, she revealed that the entire unit was now safely stored in her backyard, out of her neighbours’ reach.
Crisis averted.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Boundaries can be tricky when it comes to being a good neighbour, but at what point does generosity turn into being taken advantage of? Have you ever had a neighbour push the limits of your kindness?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A simple favour here and there is usually no big deal—until someone takes it a step too far.
What started as an act of kindness quickly turned into an unbelievable situation that left one Aussie mum completely stunned.
Aussies are known for their generosity, always ready to lend a hand to their neighbours.
‘Sure, chuck that extra rubbish in my bin.’
‘No worries, I’ll grab your mail while you’re away.’
‘Might as well mow your side while I’m at it.’
Mateship is part of the culture, but what happens when that generosity is stretched too far?
That’s the dilemma one mum, Sarah, recently faced after allowing her neighbours to use her garden hose.
Taking to social media, Sarah shared her disbelief over what happened after she agreed to let her new neighbours borrow her hose.
‘When we first moved into this house, our neighbours knocked on our door and asked us if it would be OK to use our hose,’ she explained, adding that she was happy to oblige.
The hose, a retractable unit fixed to the side of her house, was there to be shared—so long as they put it back properly.
But the issue wasn’t returning it.
It was what they were using it for.
Sarah had assumed her neighbours needed the hose for something simple, like watering their garden or filling a bucket.
Instead, six months after moving in, she was stunned to discover them using it to shower—right in their driveway.
‘Fully showering, like I’m talking brought out the front on their driveway shampoo and conditioner and soap…Are they just taking the piss?’ she asked her followers.
The response was unanimous—her neighbours had crossed the line.
‘That’s the problem with being too nice, some people take advantage,’ one person commented.
‘You’re paying for someone else to use your water,’ another pointed out.
‘They are 100% taking advantage of you,’ agreed a third.
Suggestions came pouring in.
Some advised her to be upfront and tell them her water bills had increased, making it impossible to keep sharing.
Others suggested a more direct approach—removing the hose altogether.
‘Remove the hose and if they question why tell them you are not willing to pay for their household’s water,’ one person wrote.
‘Go over to theirs and use their oven,’ another joked.
Sarah took the advice to heart—well, at least the part about removing the hose.
Updating her followers, she revealed that the entire unit was now safely stored in her backyard, out of her neighbours’ reach.
Crisis averted.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Boundaries can be tricky when it comes to being a good neighbour, but at what point does generosity turn into being taken advantage of? Have you ever had a neighbour push the limits of your kindness?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
.png){kind=icon}
