I made an effort to respond calmly when my neighbor’s construction crew began using my driveway without authorization. However, after feeling frustrated for weeks, I realized I needed to discipline Dave.
At five in the morning, I was ready to face the problem. My son Tyler joined me as I was brewing coffee. I hurried to the window when I heard a truck rumbling outside and saw Dave’s team had blocked my driveway once more.
Tyler said, “Mom, you gotta do something.” I nodded, feeling a surge of rage.
I threw off my jammies and ran outside. “Dave! How on earth are you acting?
Dave gave a shrug. It’s just going to last a few hours. Are you unable to park on the street?
“No, Dave, I’m not able to.” “This is my property,” I yelled, furiously shaking my voice. When he did manage to relocate the truck, I was still furious.
My supervisor at work observed my annoyance. “Hard morning?” she enquired.
I clarified, “My neighbor’s construction crew keeps blocking my driveway.”
I came home to see two trucks parked across my driveway that evening. I chose to use fire to put out my fury. My kid helped me block the driveway with my car the following morning.
Angrily, Dave called. “Get your car moved!”
Not going to happen, Dave. I smiled and said, “You can’t use my property without asking.”
That night, Dave came up to me. “You’ve ruined my entire workday!”
I said, “Now you understand how it feels.” “Ask before using my driveway going forward.”
Reluctantly, Dave nodded. “Well, I should have shown more consideration.”
We finally came to an agreement. My driveway was resurfaced by Dave’s workers, and harmony returned.
