Practice What You Preach
Yesterday, just before dark, I committed a cardinal sin. I heard my neighbor's wife yelling for help and I went out to see what was wrong.About the same time she came running out the house with her husband in close pursuit. He got hold of her hair and pulled her to the ground. By then I was over the 1 meter fence and dragged him off her. He took a pot shot at me and missed but I did not. I thought he was hysterical
and gave him a good smack with the open hand; not too hard though.She went back into the house to calm the children and I left the fuming husband in the backyard; going out by the front gate this time. I could hear them arguing until late night.
A bit earlier today I went out to the backyard and saw them sitting under the tree, next to the fence, cooing like doves. I greeted but got no response and after showing my weekly garden help what I want done, I went back into the house.
After a while I was called to the fence by his wife, sporting a bruise on the cheek, telling me what a pig I am and that her husband said that if I don’t apologize, he will lay a case of assault against me.
This does not sit well with my own words of just a few days ago. Do I practice what I preach or do I apologize when I am not really sorry at all? If I don’t, it is going to be hours in the police station and days wasted in court.
Why can’t I just mind my own business? I think next time I must sell tickets to the other neighbors for a ring side view of the fight.
Have a great day and try not to fight.
Comments (73)
I don't think it will by wise. If the magistrate learns that I am a member of CS he may just put me in a real nut house.
On the other hand I think he wants you to apologize with a bottle of Klippies - solely to be used for the 'pain and discomfort' of the flattie you gave him.
That reminds of something similar yet completely different.
I met an acquaintance who I had not seen for many years an a party one night and said: "Hi Pete, are you still beating your wife?"
His entire reaction said that my silly joke hit a sore spot. He left shortly afterwards and he has ignored me ever since.
That will get me nowhere, our magistrates do not have any sense of humor.
I have learned that now as well; only one day too late.
Now you have given me an idea. I will invite them over for tonight. And lay on a steak. Could be fun. I'll just make sure I have one or two other people around as well. I'm going to call him now.
Why did I not think about this earlier?
What do you mean by "in my country"? Which one are you talking about?
This is Europe here, - or the whole planet Earth, should I say?
We are all taught to help people in any way we can, but without putting ourselves in danger.
I realize that you are not an invalid, or a "superheroe", nor a woman (but I will have to take your word for that!), but you could still have got killed!
Thanks for sorting out my bodyguard problem. I thought that maybe you would offer your services?
I can say now that I will never make the same mistake again but inside I suspect I will do exactly the same thing if I should see it again.
I can be very impulsive at times.
Don't mind me. I'm just a bit stressed up. I just took Luke's advice and went around to invite then over for a few drinks tomorrow afternoon. That should solve the whole issue.
We'll see now. He has a chance to save face tomorrow. I've invited two other friends and their wives along as well. Just for in case I need a witness or two. Though I don't think it will be necessary. Just playing it safe.
You are quite save. They have an oldish desktop without internet and no smart phones. The children sometimes comes here to when they have a school task to research. No danger.
Indeed, moved in about 7 years ago. Can be very nice at times but not so nice at other times.
This sounds like a case where I would set aside my principles and apologize to them. Yes, you did nothing wrong. I feel somebody should be thanking you....from what you wrote.
However, if these are your neighbors and you are living next to them, I would be a bit concerned. What I mean by this, you did what any other person would have done to protect somebody from getting hurt. Yet, your neighbors do not see it that way. Either their elevator does not reach the top floor, or I am missing something.
With that said, I would apologize with an explanation and then distance yourself as much as you can from them.
This is my 2 cents.
That was my initial sentiments as well. However, I have decided to face the music should he prefer to press charges. I think his chances are worse than mine. But I have defused the situation somewhat by inviting them over for a few drinks tomorrow afternoon. I am expecting a few other friends as well.
I am not really concerned about being on good foot with him as my house is in an advanced stage of being sold. I will not have to put up with him for too much longer.
Then you'll understand me. When I see somebody - be that a man, woman or a child - being bullied or picked on, I respond. I have always be the champion for the underdog.
Like now.
Cat
I dont think anyone would fault such actions. except the couple in question.
I hope it goes no further
Don't forget, that not all women are so "stup..d" as this one!
Your smack at the man should have been hard though. Then he would have thought more about it, and the "blo..dy" wife would have been too scared then to get near your fence..
The matter has been dealt with now and I think justice will be served all round.
I did not apologize; I thought I could defuse it last night by inviting him for a few drinks this afternoon (bribing
Keep it for in case but I think my neighbor is more likely to need it.
Keep it for in case but I think my neighbor is more likely to need it.