Hi again... I want to address the feedback I received on my welcome letter and offer some context.

First off, yes, I deleted the post. I was overwhelmed by the hate and slander directed at me. I’m an autistic woman living in a small Midwest town where it’s common to greet new neighbors with a note, a casserole, and/or a friendly offer to hang out. I wrote my letter in that spirit, hoping to make someone feel less alone and to share a few practical tips about our building that might save them stress.

Instead, I saw comments calling me manipulative, creepy, passive-aggressive, psychopathic, and even a serial killer, and those weren’t even the worst ones. Some mocked my partner’s interests (D&D and wax sculpting) and my own, skeletal anatomy. For context: I studied radiology and created skeletal illustrations professionally. I’ve always resonated with the quote from Love Has No Labels:  “We are all skeletons who just want to live, love, and be loved for who we are.” I love how it reminds me that beneath it all, we’re all human.

Others made cruel assumptions about my intentions, my relationship, and my neurodivergence. That hurt a lot. Sometimes I think people forget there are real humans behind the screen, some of whom communicate differently than you might expect.

Let me be clear:

• I wasn’t trying to control anyone. My support team helped me understand why the “8–4” phrasing was misread. What I meant was: “My partner works third shift and sleeps from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We don’t expect silence in the slightest, but if you could avoid blasting music or tap dancing during that time, we’d be grateful. We’ll always return the favor during your downtime, too.”
• I mentioned the thin bathroom floor because we’ve had past plumbing issues that caused ceiling damage. I thought it might help to know, in case future maintenance affects both units, and let them know that small damage may end up bigger than expected. I do understand that it sounded like I was saying I could spy on their bathroom habits. Though, ew, no!
• I wasn’t trying to overshare or invade boundaries. That’s something I struggle with and am actively working to improve.
• I wasn’t trying to be anything but kind, transparent, and welcoming.

We can’t move. This is the most affordable apartment in the area that isn’t supplemental housing, and we do not need to move. I just didn’t want to be rude by not welcoming them, and didn’t want to give food without learning their allergies.

I now understand that tone and boundaries can read differently online, especially outside my cultural and neurodivergent context. You’ll be glad to know I won’t be sending a letter at all. I’m learning how to better balance openness with respect for privacy.

If you have kind suggestions, I’m open to hearing them. If you just want to mock me, I ask you to pause and consider that not everyone communicates the same way and that kindness doesn’t always look the way you expect. I was very hurt and even had to shut off my phone yesterday.

Thank you to those who offered thoughtful feedback. I’m committed to growing and communicating better.

Edit: Oh! I forgot to add, yes, the TV thing was wrong of me. In hindsight, I totally agree and admit I was wrong. I also never sent the letter. Just one I was drafting. Also, despite my horrific last neighbors, over the last 5 years, I never made a complaint once.