I hope you’re able to have a good conversation in which you both clarify what you need. I hear that there’s a good connection and affection at the root of this. It seems like it could provide a warm, neighborly connection for both of you to enjoy. Good luck with this.
Marcia asks, "Is there a good way to amicably pull back (way back) from a relationship with a neighbor without permanently damaging the relationship?" IMO, no, there is no good way, and yes, it's going to permanently damage the relationship.
Marcia mentions the neighbors are from another country, where I assume friendship and direct, personal, daily caring for those older than you -- who appear to be alone -- is the norm. They appear to have adopted Marcia as family -- the children consider her their grandmother. The daily check-ins may be their way of keeping Marcia safe, healthy, etc.
I think I would offer a white lie -- that I am no longer going to be texting, that the technology bothers me and is intrusive, but that I'd love to check in once per week, on whatever day works for you. Invite them to come over on that one day, and offer refreshments. Then, stop texting. They can't "like" or "love" your texts if you're not texting. And get off social media, too, where they likely follow your activities.
I hope you’re able to have a good conversation in which you both clarify what you need. I hear that there’s a good connection and affection at the root of this. It seems like it could provide a warm, neighborly connection for both of you to enjoy. Good luck with this.
Marcia asks, "Is there a good way to amicably pull back (way back) from a relationship with a neighbor without permanently damaging the relationship?" IMO, no, there is no good way, and yes, it's going to permanently damage the relationship.
Marcia mentions the neighbors are from another country, where I assume friendship and direct, personal, daily caring for those older than you -- who appear to be alone -- is the norm. They appear to have adopted Marcia as family -- the children consider her their grandmother. The daily check-ins may be their way of keeping Marcia safe, healthy, etc.
I think I would offer a white lie -- that I am no longer going to be texting, that the technology bothers me and is intrusive, but that I'd love to check in once per week, on whatever day works for you. Invite them to come over on that one day, and offer refreshments. Then, stop texting. They can't "like" or "love" your texts if you're not texting. And get off social media, too, where they likely follow your activities.