Is my neighbour mean? Opinions please.

This is just not true. Please do not believe nonsense like this. There are people who either believe they are more knowledgeable than everyone else or who want you to think they are.

I am not saying that sharing wifi is always a good thing, but it is not going to lead to Bad Things as a matter of course.

I’m not sure why you think your neighbour is mean. You buy her things she hasn’t asked for. She willingly shares her green bin with you. Many people, as shown by responses, would not like being given household items although she does tell you where she’s seen your favourite items on offer, which is useful- and not overstepping any boundaries. I don’t see anything mean there. Presumably you would have internet access whether she shared it or not, just as she would probably have a green bin. So your gripe seems to be that she asks for favours but is unwilling to reciprocate. I suppose it depends what these ‘favours’ are. Only you know if she is taking advantage of you. If so, just say no.

A pleasant guy has just moved next door. He asked if we could share wi-if and pay 50% each. I politely declined because I prefer to be independent and because of safety too.

This is what AI says, people always think they know best, read it and make up your own mind, personally I would never consider sharing with a neighbour regardless how well I knew them.

Sharing Wi-Fi with a neighbour is generally not recommended due to significant security, legal, and performance risks, though it can be done safely with a dedicated guest network. Risks include liability for their illegal activity, potential access to your personal files, and reduced internet speeds.

Reddit
+3
Key Risks and Considerations:
Legal Liability: You are responsible for all activity on your internet connection. If a neighbor downloads illegal content, you may be held liable.
Security Vulnerabilities: A shared network allows them to potentially access your private files, smart devices, and printers.
Malware Spread: If your neighbor’s computer is infected, that malware could spread to your devices.
Bandwidth Overload: Sharing can lead to slower internet speeds for your own devices.
Violation of Terms: Many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) prohibit sharing your subscription outside your home.
Reddit
Reddit
+5
How to Share Safely (If absolutely necessary):
Create a Guest Network: Almost all modern routers allow you to set up a separate "guest" network. This keeps your main devices, files, and personal devices secure and separated from your neighbor.
Use a Unique Password: Make sure the guest network has a different, strong password, not the same one you use for your main network.
Set Data Caps: Use router settings to limit their usage so your internet speed remains stable.
Reddit
Reddit
+4
If you do not know the neighbor extremely well, it is safest to not share your main Wi-Fi network.

Change your password, stop buying her gifts, stop responding to the summoning and stop being a wimp. People will only treat you badly if you allow them too. Give your generosity on YOUR terms to someone who appreciates it.

Hmmmm... so who do I think is correct? Doodledog or win? I think I'd rather err on the side of caution and follow win's advice; cyber risks aren't worth taking.

I’m not saying that I would share my wifi way neighbour, particularly one I didn’t much like, but I still don’t think that someone accessing the internet via your account can access your files or bank account. As I said earlier if anyone can explain how that would work I am very willing to listen, but nobody has done so.

I know for sure that when my children stay here, both they and their partners use our wifi and we can’t access one another’s information. It is not remotely the same as giving them access to your devices.

As win says, though, people will believe what they like. I wouldn’t rely on Reddit, personally, but each to her own.

Your neighbour 'phones you or shouts at you over the fence when she wants something? Is this a mistress and servant relationship?

How do you know she 'has a bit more money' than yourself? There is such a thing as 'keeping up appearances' and 'nice net curtains at the windows but nothing on the table'.

It could be just a sham.

But she seems to definitely have the whip hand.

I think that I'd get my own green bin .

In the past my neighbour has been fantastically kind to my father.

But she seems to forget that there were times when he was fed up listening to her endlessly complaining about her family.
I've gone out with her and realise that she expects me to treat her each time .
I've also bought her endless Get Well cards and gifts , plants for her garden and done a lot of gardening for her.
I thoroughly dislike her meaness with money.
It's like an obsession .
I'm increasingly unwell since the Autumn and she's found a new friend and made it so obvious.
It has really upset and depressed me,but the signs were there and I ignored them .

She’s taking advantage of you. Relationships should go both ways, but this sounds completely one-sided. I’ve had neighbors like this before. Stop buying her things and stop being so available when she wants a favor.

Do you know how to change your internet password? If so do it immediately. If not ring your provider and ask them to talk you through it.

So many reasons outlined by the previous posts why you should never ever share your broadband with anyone outside of your own household.