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(FL) My neighbor is trying to get me fired from my job and calling APS over a reborn doll. How can I get him to stop? (self.legaladvice)

Throwaway344356 が 投稿

A reborn doll is a doll made to look like a baby,they're often extremely realistic. I always wanted lots of children but I missed out on the opportunity to have a husband and family. I'm fully aware that it's a doll and not a real baby but I find it very soothing.

My neighbor needed to borrow a folding table for a barbecue. He peaked into the guest room as I was grabbing it and spotted the baby doll. He asked what it was, I explained it to him and said that I collect them. He did not approve.

Since then he's contacted my boss 3 times and asked that I be fired due to "weird obsessions" and he's even called Adult Protective Services. They weren't happy with him after the saw that I'm normal and mentally sound.

I'm a kindergarten teacher, have rumors spread about my mental state could ruin my career. Help.

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[–]s-dubya 616ポイント617ポイント  (26子コメント)

You could have a lawyer draft you a cease and desist, but that's probably about all you can do at this stage.

[–]Throwaway344356[S] 158ポイント159ポイント  (25子コメント)

That's usually pretty cheap,right?

[–]s-dubya 149ポイント150ポイント  (24子コメント)

Yeah couple hundred bucks usually, IIRC. Thankfully I've never had to do it. You can contact your local or state bar association for a referral.

[–]ExpiresAfterUseQuality Contributor 133ポイント134ポイント  (23子コメント)

Yeah, depending on the location, somewhere between $75 and $300 should do it.

[–]Throwaway344356[S] 111ポイント112ポイント  (17子コメント)

That's pretty reasonable.

[–]IxamxUnicron 229ポイント230ポイント  (16子コメント)

Let us know what happens. Your hobby isn't hurting anyone, and this guys being an asshole. He doesn't understand it, so he wants to control the situation by having 'power' over you. You need to make sure he understands this isn't acceptable.

[–]fireduck 63ポイント64ポイント  (14子コメント)

There are lots of things that people do that I don't like that make sense to me. I can understand if someone is poor and likes drugs robbing a store or stealing things to support their habit. I can understand people trying to avoid work or responsibility and blaming others. This makes sense. However, noticing someone doing something I don't approve of in their own home and then trying to get them in trouble for it makes no sense to me. Oh well.

[–]bitvox 26ポイント27ポイント  (6子コメント)

Seriously it seems like way to much effort and for what reward?

[–]whatsausername90 73ポイント74ポイント  (2子コメント)

A sense of self-righteousness for aligning reality to the way you think the world should work?

[–]DrKronin 35ポイント36ポイント  (0子コメント)

Definitely the second part of what you said. It's not always self-righteousness though. Here's the pattern I've seen repeatedly: Person has an unhealthy obsession/habit/behavior (or at least believes that they do). Person finds a way to get the upper hand against their demon at least in part by fear of certain consequences. They credit the existence of those consequences with their life getting back on track.

Then, they see someone engaging in similar behavior without suffering those consequences. The person now has two options. Option A is to realize that maybe those consequences aren't inevitable. Maybe they're entirely artificial. This option engenders fear, panic -- maybe even rage. They love the consequences like they love their own mother. The consequences saved them from themselves. Option B is congnitive dissonance. Dissonance is painful and produces negative emotions. Being constantly forced to experience the dissonance isn't acceptable. If they can somehow make those artificial consequences real, they can return to their nice, ordered life where they were saved from themselves by very real consequences. These consequences will keep them in line forever.

It happens over and over again. From sexuality to drugs to religion, people want the world to be simpler than it is. They cling to precious lies. They might be white lies at first, but in situations like this, they cause real harm. This guy is hoping beyond hope that there are real consequences for the behavior he's witnessing because if there aren't, his self-confidence will be shattered.

I'm sure someone with a basic understanding of psychology will pop in to point out where I'm wrong, but I'm just calling it how I see it.

[–]JJGeneral1 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

That and "to get the weirdos out of MY neighborhood".

he sounds like a NIMBY. Not In My BackYard, kind of guy.

[–]GombyJabbared 18ポイント19ポイント  (2子コメント)

It allows him to place people lower on his personal hierarchy or ladder of morality. It's too difficult to admit your own faults and embiggen yourself through self improvement; however, if you can point out others who are failing at your moral code, you can boost your own status by forces them to conform. This puts them into your hierarchy and raises your status by adding to your base. This is of course absurd. You can't raise your own stature by demanded others remove their shoes. You are still the same emotional runt you always were regardless.

[–]bookstarred 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

Especially when they were their to borrow something.

[–]fakeprewarbook 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

There's a great book called "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do" about how essentially absurd the concept of a consensual crime is

[–]WraithSama 7ポイント8ポイント  (0子コメント)

Seriously. "I'm going to ask my neighbor if I can borrow something. Guess I'll try to fuck up her life in exchange."

[–][削除されました]  (3子コメント)

[removed]

    [–]NapalmenatorQuality Contributor[M] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

    Advocating Breaking the Law

    • Any and all posts advocating breaking the law are subject to immediate removal. Users who post such advice are at risk of a summary ban. DO NOT ADVISE PEOPLE TO BREAK THE LAW, LIE UNDER OATH, OR OTHERWISE DO ILLEGAL THINGS.

    If you feel this was in error, message the moderators.

    [–]NapalmenatorQuality Contributor[M] 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

    Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

    Advocating Breaking the Law

    • Any and all posts advocating breaking the law are subject to immediate removal. Users who post such advice are at risk of a summary ban. DO NOT ADVISE PEOPLE TO BREAK THE LAW, LIE UNDER OATH, OR OTHERWISE DO ILLEGAL THINGS.

    If you feel this was in error, message the moderators.

    [–]Kuratius 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

    And this (your) post should be removed for double-posting, shouldn't it?

    [–]s-dubya 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Thanks for the clarification.

    [–]leftwinglovechild 143ポイント144ポイント  (7子コメント)

    What a dick, no one should be subject to harassment because of a neutral hobby.

    Like other posters suggested a strongly worded cease and desist could be worth investment in.

    [–]JerryLupus 22ポイント23ポイント  (6子コメント)

    I bet he didn't even return the friggin table.

    [–]Throwaway344356[S] 37ポイント38ポイント  (5子コメント)

    He did.

    [–]baldylox 42ポイント43ポイント  (4子コメント)

    He probably used it to set up one of his toy trains.

    You should call APS ASAP!

    /s

    [–]Castun 11ポイント12ポイント  (2子コメント)

    He's clearly using it to lure little boys into his house!

    [–]Lamb_of_Jihad -3ポイント-2ポイント  (1子コメント)

    Uhh, "grown men" is the phrase you're looking for.

    Source: Step-pop has a model railroad room and was apart of a local group that went to trade shows with their huge layout (it's honestly pretty neat, but I'm lonely, so.. lol)

    [–]Transnegro_Raptor 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Was your step pop's name Bobby Baccalieri

    [–]alphabetagamma111 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

    APS, lolz

    [–]tannhauser_gate_vet 41ポイント42ポイント  (16子コメント)

    I never heard of reborn dolls until a story about one was a top post in an AskReddit thread yesterday. The AskReddit thread mentioned that someone had rigged some up to make breathing motions. Interesting that this is the second time I've seen reborn dolls mentioned on the internet ever, and they both occurred within two days of each other!

    [–]Gotta_Ketcham_All 6ポイント7ポイント  (0子コメント)

    It's called the Baader Meinhof phenomenon, or the frequency illusion. From Wikipedia : The illusion in which a word, a name, or other thing that has recently come to one's attention suddenly seems to appear with improbable frequency shortly afterwards

    [–]sarautu 22ポイント23ポイント  (13子コメント)

    we had a lady bring one into our work one day, and it was a concern: the baby looked real, and sick. We didn't know it was a doll. We thought it was a sick baby. We were worried about the baby, the lady for not noticing her baby was sick, etc.

    That's the only draw back to these dolls: a real-life baby in distress might go unhelped if we think it's a doll. So even though it's tacky, I still plan on engaging the Mom in discussion. "Tell me about your baby." I'm not trying to put the person down. I just want to know that it's not a living being.

    [–]Throwaway344356[S] 26ポイント27ポイント  (11子コメント)

    Some of the less well painted ones look sick. Mine never leaves the guest room anyway.

    [–]sarautu 5ポイント6ポイント  (10子コメント)

    I realize people seldom see you with your baby. Forgive me if this is rude. I really do have a difficult time distinguishing between doll and real life. What advice would you have for me at work: is there any way to to determine for sure (from, say, 3 feet away) if I'm looking at a real doll or not?

    [–]Throwaway344356[S] 15ポイント16ポイント  (2子コメント)

    1. Not breathing/moving/blinking

    2. No fine hairs

    3. Hands and feet, they're the most doll like part.

    [–]sageberrytree 15ポイント16ポイント  (1子コメント)

    When my youngest was a bsby, about 6 months old, I took her in a stroller to a bunch of garage sales/yard sales. One place had a really steep driveway so i left her at the bottom, because she was asleep and i figured it would be better.

    I look over about 2 minutes later and some old couple wanted to buy my doll. They were convinced she was a doll. If I had not had my older daughter, I don't think they would have dropped it. It was seriously creepy as...she was (is) very tiny, but still.

    That said, I'm so so sorry this ass hat is doing this to you. Please don't be ashamed or let him bully you. I very nearly missed motherhood and looked at those dolls. They are something!

    [–]I_got_this_guys 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

    That's crazy. I didn't even know that was a thing.

    [–]nionvox 2ポイント3ポイント  (6子コメント)

    Real babies move their hands an feet constantly.

    [–]simmelianben 1ポイント2ポイント  (5子コメント)

    Not my 2-week old niece. She sleeps 16 hours a day and barely even moves her chest when she breathes.

    [–]PM_ME_YOUR_TRADRACK 4ポイント5ポイント  (4子コメント)

    Are you sure she's not a doll?

    [–]simmelianben 1ポイント2ポイント  (3子コメント)

    She crapped as I held her. There's no faking that stench.

    [–]PM_ME_YOUR_TRADRACK 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

    You'd be surprised at the advances in doll technology these days. Could be one of those Baby Alive dolls

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      [–]112013 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Does that really happen to you that often?

      [–]AE1360 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Wonder why that would be.....hrmmmmmmm

      [–]Teqnique_757 165ポイント166ポイント  (33子コメント)

      Florida again. Why does this guy give a shit, the humidity and hard water is definitely fucking his brain.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 59ポイント60ポイント  (32子コメント)

      Some people find them creepy.

      [–]k9centipede 85ポイント86ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I'd find it creepy that someone I invited in my house to do a favor of lending them something is poking their nose around and snooping on me. wtf dude.

      I'd use that angle if he says more or brings it up to people. "Don't snoop around people's houses if you can't handle finding out about their personal hobbies and collections." "Maybe if you weren't such a snoop, you wouldn't be do distraught over nothing." "I hope anyone else you hang out with knows to lock their bedroom doors and medicine cabinets, since apparently you can't be trusted to not snoop on people doing you favors."

      [–]Eternal_Mr_Bones 48ポイント49ポイント  (1子コメント)

      Time to set it up at night facing out the window overlooking your neighbor's property.

      jk don't do this

      [–]Artful_Dodger_42 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Thank goodness someone beat me to making this comment. The alternative would have been to take the reborn baby out for walks in a stroller or a harness.

      [–]Teqnique_757 59ポイント60ポイント  (11子コメント)

      If it really bother's him he should just avoid talking to you. Impending on your life and what you do in your private quarter's is something that shouldn't be subject to judgement as long as no one is being harmed.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 77ポイント78ポイント  (10子コメント)

      People are assholes sometimes. I've had students parents get pissy because I wear makeup.

      [–]Teqnique_757 13ポイント14ポイント  (7子コメント)

      How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 41ポイント42ポイント  (6子コメント)

      43.

      [–]snakebaconer 79ポイント80ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Yeah, I don't think it's ladylike for women under the age of 50 to wear makeup. I was raised to believe they just aren't mature enough until their sixth decade.

      Worse even for little children to see an under 50 woman in makeup. How will they ever cope!

      [–]-d0ubt 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

      You're going to corrupt their poor kindergarteners /s.

      [–]cisxuzuul 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      North Florida I assume?

      [–]ieatcheese1 22ポイント23ポイント  (4子コメント)

      I do but I'm sure I like things other people find creepy, too. You're not hurting anybody and you know the baby isn't real. I'm assuming you've already talked to your employer about the crazy neighbor?

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 28ポイント29ポイント  (3子コメント)

      Yes. I have an amazing boss so he just brushed off my neighbor.

      [–]ieatcheese1 6ポイント7ポイント  (2子コメント)

      That's good at least. I'm not sure if he's contacted you or not but either way, I'd just block his phone number if you have it and on any social media. Do you have any family members that know about the baby's? If he's this crazy it's probable he'd try to contact your family and tell them you need help or something.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 17ポイント18ポイント  (1子コメント)

      My only family is my parents. They're elderly even if he told them they'd forget within an hour or two.

      [–]nderhjs 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I think all the cool Reddit people should buy a state and live there and then you'd have the biggest family ever.

      [–]Fleiger133 21ポイント22ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I totally think they're creepy. Like super duper.

      But that doesn't fucking matter one bit.

      You're healthy, happy, and maintining a successful adult life (seemingly).

      It doesn't matter how creepy your hobby is to me, and it shouldn't matter to your neighbor. He can rightly go fuck himself.

      [–]robertgentel 15ポイント16ポイント  (6子コメント)

      Yeah, the ole uncanny valley effect.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 55ポイント56ポイント  (5子コメント)

      You can get warming devices and ones that make breathing motions. Those always seemed a little unsafe to me, imagine your house burning down because you forgot to turn off a doll.

      [–]robertgentel -1ポイント0ポイント  (4子コメント)

      I wonder if including the uncanny valley in your communication to him might help him calm down, by helping him understand why he is having that reaction.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 22ポイント23ポイント  (3子コメント)

      He's been avoiding me and I've been doing the same to him.

      [–]here-we-stand 21ポイント22ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Good plan, I would definitely stick to it.

      [–]esthershair 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Did he return the table though?

      [–]robertgentel 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Makes sense. I thought of it as something to possibly include in a cease and desist letter.

      [–]your_moms_a_clone 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Yeah, but that's not a reason to call APS on someone either. Some people actually like creepy things. This guy is just nuts.

      [–]WhitechapelPrime 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I do, but to each their own!

      [–]keylin2174 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      My friend collects them and I find them creepy as hell. I flat out refuse to go in her room as they line the walls. I still never considered calling CPS on her. WTF?

      [–]PlausibleDeniabiliti 33ポイント34ポイント  (8子コメント)

      Did the neighbor return the folding table that he borrowed?

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 33ポイント34ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Yeah, he left it by my garage the next morning.

      [–]fluke33 27ポイント28ポイント  (0子コメント)

      It strikes me that of the two of you, he's the one who's far more mentally unsound it sounds like. Who does this shit?

      [–]wiredinmycoffee 57ポイント58ポイント  (0子コメント)

      there is nothing wrong with collecting dolls, but you need to be careful with this guy, don't let him near your home, and don't talk to him

      you should also have a lawyer send him a letter, and let your boss know some creepy neighbor is obsessed with you and to hang up when he calls

      [–]112013 25ポイント26ポイント  (1子コメント)

      Please, please don't feel weird about this. That is so unfair. I have two children and sometimes I want one of those dolls because I really love babies and it would stay a baby forever.

      Good luck.

      [–]gloomduckie 9ポイント10ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I came here to say the same thing. I have a one year old who won't let me hold her anymore (she squirms out of my cuddles because she always wants to run around) and I miss holding her when she was a tiny sleepy newborn. I could totally understand wanting to hold one of these dolls just to get those snuggly warm memories back. Everyone who is saying they are "creepy" probably aren't parents and just don't get it.

      [–]k9centipede 36ポイント37ポイント  (7子コメント)

      I'd probably get in front of the rumors, just to make sure you're protected in case he pushes any further. Let any friends or coworkers you know, know that your neighbor is being weird, he was snooping in your house when you were doing him a favor and saw the doll you keep in your guest room and now he's harassing you about it and calling APS and your boss, wtf.

      I'd probably avoid calling it a doll collection, since it's just one. Even a second one wouldn't really make it a collection. And then depending on what exactly your emotional attachment to the doll is, figure out how you're comfortable phrasing things about it without feeling like a liar. Saying "the doll" vs "my doll" prevents seeming too attached. Don't need to specifically mention it's a reborn doll unless someone asks what kind or what it looks like, but don't try and hide it or it'll seem more sinister.

      Maybe something like "oh, my house is so big and empty, and instead of getting a potted plant or a statue, I always kind of liked the look of those life like reborn dolls. I keep it in the guest room so it stays safe." It's pretty normal for people, especially people that live alone, to personify inanimate objects in their own homes. Talking to your plant, or your pet, or your janky fridge that is always broken, etc. So if you keep the comparison on that level, no one should think twice about you having one.

      Also, make a log of everything that has happened with him so far. Diary entries sort of thing. Time and Date and names of who all have been involved and know about it. That way if things do escalate, you have something concrete to bring with you.

      The lawyer letters others have suggested seem like a good plan too.

      [–]here-we-stand 9ポイント10ポイント  (4子コメント)

      I'd probably get in front of the rumors, just to make sure you're protected in case he pushes any further.

      I don't know if there's any need for OP to pre-emptively start talking about this to people who the neighbor may not have even talked to. Trying to do so might come across as overly preoccupied / defensive.

      [–]k9centipede 2ポイント3ポイント  (3子コメント)

      Yeah it really depends on how much he's ranting about it. She's at least let the boss know what's going on.

      So def not something to be sprinting out to be doing, but OP did mention rumors were a big concern. Not clear if just generic preemptive concern simply because of her job, or legit concern because she knows the kind of gossip the neighbor is.

      Trying to force the news into a conversation would be bad, but letting it come up organically and knowing how you want to explain it is always good. Since it can be hard for some people to feel like they're making waves when they really aren't.

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 6ポイント7ポイント  (2子コメント)

      It's more about him calling my boss and APS.

      [–]k9centipede 5ポイント6ポイント  (1子コメント)

      Yeah then you're probably fine not being proactive about rumors. But if a friend or coworker asks if anything is new, a slight mention about it wouldn't be unwarranted. Then at the low chance he does escalate you can say "oh god remember my creepy neighbor I mentioned a few weeks ago??" Vs having to explain it all from the beginning.

      Hopefully seeing the doll just triggered some bad memory or experience of his own and he over reacted because of that and can chill the fuck out now that the world has realized nothing is wrong. Maybe he had a grandmother obsessed with them or a cousin that neglected her real children because she got wrapped up in caring for her doll or he just watched some weird documentary on Netflix about them last week and it was fresh on his mind.

      [–]inaseaS 6ポイント7ポイント  (0子コメント)

      "Well, Throwaway, how was your summer break?"

      "Great except for my Bat Sh*t crazy neighbor with the doll phobia."

      [–]wonderflux 2ポイント3ポイント  (1子コメント)

      I would say it's a business. You're aquired inventory which you may or may not intend to resell.

      [–]k9centipede 14ポイント15ポイント  (0子コメント)

      "I run a side business of buying and selling baby parts".

      [–]HummingbirdOnTheTrai 8ポイント9ポイント  (4子コメント)

      link for the curious:

      http://www.reborns.com/

      [–]well_golly 9ポイント10ポイント  (2子コメント)

      Meh. Only a couple of them struck me as a bit "eerie" looking. Even if they had somehow been full-tilt cray cray looking, I'd still say "to each his/her own."

      What's this neighbor's big problem?

      I hope a GWAR tribute band and a Marilyn Manson impersonator move in across the street. Give that dumbass neighbor something else to think about for a while.

      "Oh no! Some people are not as painfully boring and two-dimensional as me! Call the police!!"

      [–]HummingbirdOnTheTrai 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      haha I completely agree.

      [–]fludru 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I find them a little unsettling to look at, personally, but I don't think just one would bother me. I'm not a parent so I don't really get it, but seriously, it seems so harmless and sweet, why would I get up in arms? How boring and white bread do you have to be that this would be scandalizing? I mean, I think I'm a pretty well adjusted person, but I'm weird too, and there are aspects of my life and interests I don't care to share. Most intelligent, interesting people are weird in their own way.

      Plus, I have a dog with whom I am very close and probably talk about too much, so I'm sure I'm scratching that particular biological itch in other ways. Who am I to throw stones? Hell, I have a pug, I'm absolutely sure that their big eyes and flat faces are perceived as cute because they're human-baby-like.

      [–]blackbirdsongs 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Ugh, I remember when people were buying these and modding them to look like versions of various Twilight characters. I personally don't find the normal ones weird or creepy, because I can see the emotional benefit to them, but carrying around baby Edward was too far for me.

      [–]kirastorm 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Write down all your interactions with him, and everything he says to other people about you. Eventually you should have enough to go to the police about his harassment of you.

      If he continues to call your boss, simply say that you were being nice to a neighbor who saw something he disagreed with in your home and that you are documenting his harassment. Someone else mentioned getting a lawyer to draft a letter and you can mention that to your boss if you get one done.

      [–]DeskRef 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Call the police and at least file a complaint that he's harassing you. That way, there's a record. You're allowed to own the doll and you're not doing anything illegal or improper. He has no business contacting your employer.

      [–]andpassword 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Not legal advice, and additionally I don't know where you stand in life, but I'll put this out there: I have a cousin who is also an elementary school teacher, also 40-ish, and also always wanted a family. None of those things happened for her the way she wanted, so she decided to adopt a child from Ethiopia.

      It has been the most amazing and transformative experience for her, and no one has a better home life than my new second cousin. I don't want to criticize you, or hold out false hope, or be insensitive to the remainder of your life that's obviously not in your 150-word post, but I do want to let you know there's hope out there, and time. I wish you all the best.

      [–]Computermaster 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      "Hello, APS? Yes my neighbor seems to be having problems and I'm worried he's not totally mentally sound. What's he doing? Well he's constantly calling my place of work to get me fired and the authorities to have me committed because he doesn't like a doll that I own.

      That's right, he's trying to ruin my life over a doll. Would y'all be kind enough to check in on him?"

      Pretty obvious who needs help in this situation.

      [–]TwoRocker 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Having never heard of these dolls, I googled them. The pics I saw would be very difficult to distinguish from a real baby. To be honest, I find them kind of creepy. Not because they aren't cute, but because they look so life like without actually being alive. But hey, there is a chair for every ass. What people do in the privacy of their homes doesn't bother me, as long as nobody is getting hurt. All of this talk about this guy projecting his shortcomings, low self esteem, blah, blah, on to you, is pure assumption. More likely, that doll freaked him out, and he made assumptions as well. If he is a parent, his chain of thought went something like this: Collects baby replicas - Teaches kindergarten - My neighbor is crazy - Oh shit! She teaches kindergarten - Must warn her employer. It could be that he has no real animosity toward you, just found the situation creepy, and felt like it was the right thing to do.( I'm not saying he is right or wrong) It sounds like things were amicable up until he saw the doll. Is speaking with him personally about any concerns he has out of the question? I know you don't owe him an explanation for anything you do in your home, but if he has been a good neighbor up until this incident, it may be worth it . I would involve a lawyer as a last resort, because once he gets a cease and desist, things are going to be forever awkward for the both of you.

      [–]LordTruth 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Isn't that easily slander?

      [–]I_Murder_Pineapples 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I think the cease-and-desist is a good idea. Most people will charge you about $150 to do one.

      I've done a good bit of work on CPS/APS cases, and I'll tell you that people who phone in bullshit calls for attention or revenge are a real detriment to the work they do. APS is chronically understaffed nationwide and a real case might be pushed back because someone's calling about a doll.

      I think it's a little weird too, but I wouldn't call APS on you. Thinking things are weird is not what APS is for.

      [–]Migz968 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

      The guy probably just has a phobia of dolls. Watched the Twilight Zone episode of Talk-ie Tina when he was too young.

      Cease and desist should help shut him up

      [–]Jackerwocky 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

      If I understand correctly, occasionally these dolls are made specifically to resemble individual infants who passed away very early in life, and serve a therapeutic purpose for the parent or family member experiencing such loss. OP, I am not at all suggesting that is your situation, but it's something to consider, perhaps. Some families cherish photos of their little one, or clothing they wore, or other small mementos, but for those who perhaps never got to hold their child, or who find comfort in the physical act of cradling a doll made to resemble them...well, who is anyone to judge another's experience of grief and healing?

      Perhaps something like that might help explain your nosy neighbor's obsession (although it doesn't at all excuse it, much less his intense overreaction), or could come in handy if you do pursue legal action.

      There is nothing wrong with owning one or more of these dolls, for whatever purpose. I wouldn't perceive a friend or neighbor differently if I learned they owned one, nor would I remove my child from the care of a teacher who did. It's very personal and private and I'm sorry this man has taken it upon himself to go after you for what is none of his business.

      [–]thatGman 3ポイント4ポイント  (2子コメント)

      What about a restraining order for harassment?

      [–]Throwaway344356[S] 6ポイント7ポイント  (1子コメント)

      Wouldn't he have to threaten me for that?

      [–]MrGelowe 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Not exactly. Restraining orders are basically a way to stop someone from doing something, like trespassing, running a loud washing machine at 4 am, etc. Basically initially you get temporary restraining order, but I think it is called something else in Florida, that lasts 14 days and then you would need to prove your case to get permanent restraining order. Restraining orders are basically enforced by contempt of court which could lead to fines or jail stay so long as noncompliance persists.

      These are basics that I remember from law school. Only advice I would give is to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer could scare him a bit since he might becommitting slander and/or libel.

      [–]sythor2[🍰] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      They love the consequences like they love their own home and then trying to get the upper hand against their demon at least let the boss know some creepy neighbor is being weird, he was snooping in your home and then trying to avoid work or responsibility and blaming others.

      [–]erastusfunk 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      I generally confront idiots like this. Tell them you know it was them, smile, ask if they like to play games, then tell them all it takes is a phone call. Chuckle and walk away.

      [–]Jonosurf75 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      TIL, I never knew these existed. I guess I've seen them before but never really did a double take. I understand them and find em, kinda strange. Then again anything synthetic with a hyper real face can throw some one off.

      Either way, fuck your neighbor. He's an asshole for going out of his way to tell others about what's your deal after he snooped. Definitely seek legal help and avoid him at all chances. You be you, that doll makes you happy, fuck everyone else and their opinions.

      Cheers.

      [–]Greatruler10 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

      They credit the existence of those dolls because I wear makeup.

      [–]lionman104 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Only advice I would give is to me, and it would stay a baby forever.

      [–]TotesMessenger 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

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      [–]Awesomegnome -4ポイント-3ポイント  (1子コメント)

      I would really like to know how it turns out also as I am having a similar issue. In my case I quit a company after working there for 15 years for a better opportunity (unfortunately it didn't work out well at the new company but was still better then the original). The employees at the original company have been spreading rumors that the company I recently got laid off from is trying to have me indicted for stealing from them. It is completely untrue and I am still on good terms with the company that laid me off. I am starting a new job in the same field and don't like having my name dragged through the mud but am not sure if there is anything I can do.

      [–]Tommy_Riordan 5ポイント6ポイント  (0子コメント)

      Yes, look up local lawyers and ask them to write a cease and desist letter to your old company and to anyone you know for sure is spreading the rumors.

      [–][削除されました]  (1子コメント)

      [removed]

        [–]NapalmenatorQuality Contributor[M] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

        Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

        Off Topic

        • Posts or submissions that are not primarily asking or discussing legal questions are removed.

        If you feel this was in error, message the moderators.

        [–]drdrizzy13 -5ポイント-4ポイント  (4子コメント)

        are you male or female just curious

        [–]Throwaway344356[S] 5ポイント6ポイント  (3子コメント)

        Female. Isn't that rather obvious.

        [–][削除されました]  (2子コメント)

        [removed]

          [–]Throwaway344356[S] 19ポイント20ポイント  (0子コメント)

          I'd rather not.

          [–]NapalmenatorQuality Contributor[M] 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

          Your post has been removed for the following reason(s):

          Off Topic

          • Posts or submissions that are not primarily asking or discussing legal questions are removed.

          If you feel this was in error, message the moderators.