AITA for putting a divider on my Balcony because of my neighbors?

Imagine sinking into a sun-soaked nap on your new apartment’s balcony, wine in hand, only to be jolted awake by your neighbors’ life story—again. That’s the daily grind for Alex, a young homeowner whose dream balcony became a chat zone for their retired neighbors, thanks to a mere 50cm gap. When their nosy questions crashed a friend gathering, Alex snapped, installing a sleek divider to reclaim their space. Now, the neighbors are fuming, slinging insults like “b**ch.” Was Alex’s wall a fair boundary, or a rude snub?

Alex’s Reddit AITA post is a breezy tale of neighborly overreach and the quest for peace, spiced with a clash of lifestyles. With Reddit cheering their privacy play, this balcony saga’s got everyone debating personal space like it’s prime real estate. Let’s step onto the deck and unpack this sunny dispute.

‘AITA for putting a divider on my Balcony because of my neighbors?’

I am not from the US or any other English speaking country and this is more or less a throwaway. So I am in my 20's and I recently bought an apartment in my countries capital city, the apartment is great. Way underpriced and compared to where I lived previously its a massive step up.

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Regardless I have been having one big issue since the moment I moved in here. So after purchasing the apartment and having a good look at it I realized that my big balcony was directly next to my neighbors big balcony(I have got 2 Balconies, a tiny one and a big one.) , they are not attached bit essentially there is a small 50 CM gap between them, thats it

At first I figured this would not be an issue but from the moment I moved in it has been extremely bothersome. My neighbors are practically living on their balcony and since they are both retired they are home pretty much 24/7.

Whenever I think I have a moment to myself there I end up sitting down and within 30 minutes I suddenly get one of them engaging into conversation with me, this is usually while I am falling asleep I might add, I love sitting in late afternoon sun after a long day of work and having a nap with a glass of wine.

At first I assumed it was a one time thing but it has happened every single time, every single time I go out there and sit down one of these people joins me and starts sharing their life story and I was just so sick of it the final drop came when I was having a gathering with a bunch of friends and these people legitimately asked me why they weren't invited via the balcony.

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I decided to get a divider type thing, I never heard it existed before but apparently its a common problem as I found a bunch very quickly. It arrived, I installed it and now there is a wall between the two of us, it's not big, thick or obnoxious it literally just hinders their sight to me and mine to them, it just divides the spaces and doesnt block their sun or some s**t.

I figured it was fine but I have since had them over to complain that I am being 'Kind of a b**ch' for making it obvious that I dont want them around and they have been really rude to me whenever I run into them in the building since.

Alex’s balcony barrier is a textbook move for reclaiming personal space. Their neighbors’ constant chatter and party-crashing question crossed from friendly to invasive, ignoring Alex’s need for quiet after long workdays. The divider wasn’t a middle finger—it was a polite “please, let me nap.” The neighbors’ rude reaction only proves they felt entitled to Alex’s time.

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Psychologist Dr. Nedra Glover Tawwab, a boundaries expert, says, “Setting boundaries is about protecting your peace, not punishing others” , making Alex’s plight relatable in tight-knit complexes.

Alex could soften the tension with a friendly note, per Dr. Tawwab’s advice, like, “I love my balcony naps and needed a bit more privacy—hope you understand.” If rudeness persists, keeping interactions brief is key. Alex’s divider is a win for sanity; the neighbors’ hurt feelings don’t trump their right to peace.

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Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit crowd swooped in like privacy advocates, tossing kudos and quips for Alex’s balcony blockade. It’s a virtual fence party where everyone’s got a stake and the shade’s flying. Here’s the raw scoop:

No-Jellyfish-1208 − NTA. You deserve to have some privacy, after all.

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ComfortableZebra2412 − NTA it's perfectly reasonable to want separation from your neighbors, they are being the AHs for acting like you are a jerk

crazymommaof2 − You are never considered an a-hole for setting reasonable boundaries. NTA

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Weskit − NTA. They sound like dear, dear people. But they'd drive me crazy, too. They're obviously extroverts and don't feel the need for alone time or boundaries, so they're probably not really TA either. But I'd do what you did.

tnscatterbrain − Nta for wanting privacy. Even if you’d been more upfront (almost always the more mature approach) and they’d agreed and stopped engaging you, they’d still be out there on a balcony less than two feet away. It’s pretty bold to ask why a balcony neighbour didn’t invite you to a party, so I don’t blame you for not wanting to get into a potentially tense conversation with them.

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buriedclementines − NTA, they sound exhausting.

CTDV8R − Meh, as this is a purchased property and not a rental I'd think no problem, however you've said they are being rude, well.... 1. An uncomfortable attempt at a conversation would have been better than just putting up a divider

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2. You decided to put up the divider now decide can you ignore them treating you in kind (rude) or would you prefer a civil relationship? If you want civil write them a note or chat, just say hi, I realize I'm so swept up with decorating and making this my first home mine,

that I may have appeared abrupt to you by putting up a divider on my balcony...I hope you didn't take it personally, maybe I should have mentioned that I love to recharge by letting myself fall asleep in the sun/outside for naps, I've been told I tend to snore a bit (just say it) and might even be a bit of an eyesore to others.

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It's always been my dream to have my own space and I love it, but now that I think about it it may seem off-putting to you which is never my intent. Then leave it at that, it's your home enjoy it however you want, just remember as you make decisions you might have to start difficult conversations or accept the tension.. Good luck

bellePunk − NTA They were being very rude by disturbing you everytime you tried to use your balcony and when they interrupted your gathering that was a huge red flag that they have no boundaries. Getting a divider was really your only option.

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AccordingTelevision6 − NTA, but you could have spoken to them first and tried to end the conversations rather than just putting a divider up.

Catinthemirror − The only people who get angry when you enforce boundaries are the ones who've been crossing them. NTA.

Redditors hailed Alex’s divider as a boundary boss move, roasting the neighbors’ nosiness and bold party ask. Some suggested a pre-divider chat, but most backed the silent solution. Do their takes build a solid case, or just stack the drama?

Alex’s balcony divider is a masterclass in claiming your space when neighbors turn your oasis into their chatroom. Their stand for privacy, though it stung the retirees next door, resonates with anyone craving a quiet corner. As the neighbors stew, this saga begs the question: how do you handle overzealous folks next door? Share your thoughts and stories below!

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