So I live in a rural area, really only 2 neighbors within shouting distance. We have a luxurious heated pool. Our closest neighbor just moved in after the old one selling, has kids who like to swim. Came over to chat by the fence after a week or two. Seem like nice people, nice kids, we agreed on pet control issues and seems happy all around.
They mentioned their kiddo was a sport swimmer, currently had an ankle injury can’t swim, but would love to use our pool when better.
I was really, just honestly and openly my true self. I told them their kids could use our pool anytime and every time they liked, only providing parents accepted liability of supervision etc. I warned them that I am a bit of a redneck, a native Montanan that I tend to swim naked, garden in my backyard (not in their window view) in my underpants, and occasionally drink by my gigantic fireplace covered in mud naked and singing. But that if they ever wanted to join us for pool or otherwise, they are always welcome, just if they don’t want a surprise showing (I’m 5’6 and 300lbs my butt ain’t that pretty), they can just text or call my husband in advance for warning.
We invited them to my my husband’s 51st the following week, as well as the other 3-4 neighbors he knows. They all accepted. And none of them showed up or called to cancel.
We had a great birthday party with a ton of kids, with no one showing for my husband.
So, AITA for being honest and open about my weird eccentricities? Should I have just played stepford wife until they got to know me before dropping the bomb? Or maybe they just didn’t like my Hank Hill of a husband am I’m being neurotic!
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