...within the privacy of your own home

I live in South Birmingham in a semi pleasant area quite close to the ex MG Rover car plant and about ten miles from the city centre.

I class it as a semi pleasant area as there is a relatively low amount of vandalism and crime around here. That and a gay gal like myself can walk around with her girlfriend and get minimal abuse (a contrast to nearby Bromsgrove where I have suffered numerous taunts from the local yobs).

I like my house as I can get to the cinema and a few nice restaurants with just five or ten minutes walking. I like the fact that there are a few local parks where my lovely greyhound Pad can run. I like the fact that as well as all these points the motorway is close at hand.

The reason for my post tonight is as follows...I've lived in my house for about three months now and in that time I have had minimal contact with my neighbour (it seems to be a modern British thing not to introduce yourself to those inthe houses nearest to you). I recognise the majority of neighbours through their cars and occasionally I do in fact recognise them...

Well earlier on I am sat here fussing the dog whilst surfing the net and I look up and out of the window...from here I can see a man gazing down on me from the window of his house. I don't know whether to feel flattered or freaked out at first and just look back at him. I then think to myself that I obviously don't look as tired as I thought or as goppingly ugly from a distance than I do close up...then I realise...

...he's not looking at me...he's hanging out of the window to get phone reception...

I feel vaguely dirty and vaguely embarrased by the situation...relieved too mind you as if I had had a couple of beers more I probably would have flashed him or waved on him...

How would I explain that to the girlfriend?