Dear Prudence,
I live in a townhouse complex with limited visitor parking. All the units have two-car garages and a permanent spot in front of their door. It is just me so I park in the back. I am usually chill about people parking in my front spot. At least, I was until the neighbors across from me tried to permanently annex it.
Apparently, their adult kids moved in and brought their cars. I left a polite note saying that they were parking in my spot and would need to move for a week while I was having the painters come. I came home to the car still there and the note was thrown on the ground. I left another one and nothing happened. I checked my security camera and saw a woman rip up the note and then flip off my front door. I gave up and called the towing company. Later, my camera picked up the woman pounding on my door and screaming that I would “pay” for stealing her car. I forwarded both videos to the management company. It was effective because my spot remained clear ever since.
The problem is that my neighbors are badmouthing me to everyone in the community. They’re saying I’m being a vindictive a-hole who didn’t even bother to talk to them and cost them a lot of money. While I am not overly friendly with my neighbors, I do try to be cordial with them. Should I tell people the truth or let it go? I still have the video.