A West Australian widow's attempts to enjoy private sunbathing in her own backyard have been repeatedly interrupted by a neighbour who peers over the fence without invitation, sparking a privacy dilemma that many Australians might find familiar.
The Unwelcome Interruptions
The woman, who identifies as "Red-faced" in her letter to Anxiety Aunt, explained she's 62 years old and recently widowed before beginning to see a new gentleman for the first time in years. In preparation for potential intimacy, she decided to improve her appearance by sunbathing topless in her private back garden.
"Every time I attempt to do a little bit of topless sunbathing in my own private back garden," she wrote, "my neighbour pokes his head over the fence for a chat, causing me to scramble to put my top back on." Despite telling him he cannot appear over the fence unannounced, the neighbour simply chuckles and treats the situation as "a bit of a lark."
Expert Advice from Anxiety Aunt
Anxiety Aunt responded with understanding, sharing her own experience with a neighbour named Bert Saunders who would conveniently tend to his petunias whenever she practised cancan dancing in her front room. Her solution involved direct communication and physical barriers.
She offered Red-faced three concrete solutions to reclaim her privacy and peace of mind in her own outdoor space.
Setting Firm Boundaries
The first recommendation involves having a clear and firm conversation with the neighbour. "Be firm and tell him if he wants to converse with you, he should knock on your front door," Anxiety Aunt advised. She emphasised that this approach is necessary regardless of other solutions pursued, as the neighbour "needs to be put in his place."
Physical Barrier Solutions
The second option involves visiting Bunnings to purchase lattice to extend the fence height. Anxiety Aunt suggested combining this with climbing plants to create an additional visual barrier against prying eyes. This practical solution addresses the physical aspect of the privacy invasion while enhancing garden aesthetics.
Alternative Tanning Methods
The third recommendation involves abandoning natural sunbathing altogether in favour of modern fake tan products. "These products have come a long way since the bad old days," Anxiety Aunt noted, mentioning they no longer produce the unpleasant smell or streaky appearance associated with older formulations.
This approach offers dual benefits: protection from both unwanted attention and skin cancer risk. "It will also protect you from skin cancer," Anxiety Aunt wrote, "which as far as your Aunt can tell is a win-win situation."
Broader Implications for Privacy
This situation highlights the common Australian dilemma of maintaining privacy in suburban settings where fence lines often feel insufficient. The response from Anxiety Aunt combines practical home improvement advice with relationship management strategies, acknowledging that direct communication often works best with persistently intrusive individuals.
Anxiety Aunt concluded with warm wishes for Red-faced's new relationship, noting "There are few things One approves of more than a late-stage love affair, especially if it requires the application of fake tan."
