Is it me...? (opinions please)

[VJ]

Hello,

Perhaps a strange question, but is it normal to feel insulted if a guy who lended you a hifi-system (for over 6 months, even though it was claimed to be needed for a couple of weeks) and CDs (for over 5 months) asks his stuff back ?

I ran into this situation with my neighbour.
Furthermore, I printed out a large number of photographs for her (hardly got a 'thank you'), drove her to work once (totally unexpected, causing me to have to come in over an hour late) and received her emails (she has no computer). To top all this, she has insulted my friends (saying literaly that they are ugly).

So, after all this, I got fed up with her not returning my CDs and other stuff (she always finds time to come round when she needs something, never when I ask her to). Yesterday, she came round (she knew she got an email, the fact that I asked her for the past couple of weeks played little part I think) and told me she was going away for over a month, so I told her I wanted my stuff back. (turns out some if my CDs are now in her mothers car, I'm wondering when I'll see those )

Apparently, she now feels insulted (saying that I would have gotten it back eventually), doesn't want to see me anymore, rang my doorbell early this morning (I was still asleep) and shut down my electricity (the main switches are in the common area of the appartmentbuilding).

I'm hoping this doorbell electricity thingy is a one-timer, but I fear it might not be...

What do you guys think of this situation ?
(my thoughts is that - as she is a photo model - she is used to getting things her own way)


Jörg

PS: I just need to blow of steam...

[Gurm]

She's a psycho?

- Gurm

[gt40]

You don't need friends like this.

[PAugustin]

Woah she seems to be nuts !
I suggest you ring at her door when she's here and TAKE BACK what's yours. If you don't do that, you probably won't see any of your stuff again.

[Brian Ellis]

Are you absolutely sure the doorbell/electricity thingy was her? If not, don't do anything about it. You may weaken your case.

I would send her, in the first place, a registered letter (with a hard copy stapled to the post office receipt) enjoining her to return your hi fi and CDs (listed, if possible) by a given date, in default of which you reserve the right to take whatever further action you deem necessary to recover your property. If you are at least 150% sure that she did the doorbell and electricity prank, enjoin her to desist, in the same letter. Be cold, polite but very firm. The question of the date is thorny. Normally, ten days from receipt would be resonable, but you say she'll be away for four weeks. I would therefore post the letter one or two days before she is expected back, with an expiry date to return the goods of 11 days thereafter (i.e., giving her 10 days).

One of two things will happen: either she will return everything by the stated date or she won't. In the former case, well and good, case closed. If she does not obtemperate, you will have to think hard, considering how much your property is worth to you and your rights under Belgian law. If there is a simplified procedure for these cases available, use it. If not, an advocate's letter (it may cost you 100 Euros or so) threatening her with dire legal proceedings with damages and costs at her charge will probably work (remember that it might be considered criminal as well as civil, obtaining movable property by false pretences - do NOT hint at this in your first letter).

In the event that she continues to be a nuisance (esp. switching off the electricity), try and catch her in flagrans delicto with an independent witness, then you may be able to complain to the police, stating that some stuff in your freezer thawed as a result.

If she is really a photo model, try her in bed This may be what she is really wanting. (If you're married, don't let your wife read this )

[Brian Ellis]

Originally posted by PAugustin
Woah she seems to be nuts !
I suggest you ring at her door when she's here and TAKE BACK what's yours. If you don't do that, you probably won't see any of your stuff again.

ONLY if she voluntarily lets you in. Never force your way in as it will put you in a legal black hole and she would be in her rights to call the cops. Have someone with you as a witness to make sure that you can defend yourself against illegal entry, threatening behaviour, rape and goodness knows what else.

[UtwigMU]

Unless you shagged her/plan to shag her, she's not worth the trouble IMO.

Don't feel bad about her being insulted, but try to get stuff back.

[SpiralDragon]

uhh... not those type of girls... shrug.....

[rylan]

Sounds like a psycho stuck up bitch

[VJ]

PAugustin: Well, I persisted yesterday (after hearing she would be off for a month), so I got back my hifi and most of my CDs (not those 3 that "were in her mothers' car")

Brian Ellis: Pretty sure. She usually puts music on very loud, and there have been numerous complaints in the building. People in the building have shut of her electricity for this reason, so she knows it can be done and how to do it. Also, I knew she was going out late : while we had that talk, she said on the phone to someone she'd be home at around 7 AM, and wouldn't you know: my doorbell rang around 7 (and one of my clocks had stopped at around that same time). Seems like far too much coincidence for me.
Three CDs isn't worth all that hassle for me, but I will keep nagging her about it.

You don't need friends like this.

Right... Can't believe I let her lead me on for this time...

Thanks for the support guys!



Jörg

[PAugustin]

Of course I never thought he had to force his way in. I should have been more specific.

Anyway it's good to know you got back most of your stuff without more trouble than asking numerous times. Good for you guy.
Good luck for the last 3 CDs

[GuchiGuh]

u got a shotgun lying around somewhere? time to dust it off and use it mate.

[KvHagedorn]

Yeah might as well go ahead and ruthlessly butcher her. You'd probably just get a year or two in prison in a private cell with your own TV and nintendo, and 4 free magazine subscriptions of your choice.

[GuchiGuh]

BWAHAHHA

[TransformX]

Hey, you can still send e-mails pretending to be her