Man “Loves” To Hose Down A Little Boy, and Then Talk To Him Everyday. Wife Begs Him To Stop, Netizens Worry Parents Would Think Otherwise. What Should He Do?

The Original Poster (OP) (37M) lives with OP’s wife (37F) and son and daughter ( 9 and 11, respectively).

Recently, there has been this kid who comes by their house after playing soccer and either rides his bike or walks over the lawn with his cleats on his way home.

It started out as OP giving him stern looks whenever OP saw him; then it slowly progressed to OP asking him to just go around. The last time OP asked him to stop, the kid made a point to stomp extra hard and twist his feet into the grass to irritate OP.

Since then, OP has just been hosing him. The first time OP sprayed him with the hose he ran off, but then for some reason he just started standing there while OP hose him as he enjoys it.

It’s now progressed to OP sitting on the lawn chair, pointing the hose at him, and the kid just staring at OP while he does so. Sometimes they even make small talk.

OP says, “I’m not going to lie, it started off as a really bitter relationship, but I’ve actually gotten to know the kid quite well; we talk for maybe 15-20 mins every day, and he doesn’t seem to mind being hosed down after sweating hard playing soccer. He comes by daily, and we just shoot the dirt while I hose him, and he stands there for a bit.”

His wife told OP he needed to stop; even after OP explained it to her, she said he was making them look like childish idiots.

OP says, “I guess I could stop, but honestly, it’s really funny waiting for him to come by, and I see no harm in it. Will I be the jerk?”

“Ok this is hilarious. I was going to say you were the jerk and get a fence, but I see nothing wrong with what’s going on now. NAH.”

“Not a jerk. But you might consider switching to offering him a cold drink(Gatorade or soda) and a chair if you want to deepen the friendship and chat. It sounds like he enjoys the attention and isn’t in any rush. Either way not a jerk, your current relationship seems like it’s fun for both of you”

“Not wrong, I think that kid is probably lonely and enjoys your friendship. You could invite him to play another game on the lawn with you (frisbee or whatever)”

“Not wrong, but I’d be cautious because you don’t know the parents yet. The kid’s parents could be problematic people. What if they find out and have a different view or even twist your actions into something creepy that you didn’t intend? “This strange man entices our innocent little child over, hoses him down until his clothes cling, and then tries to chat him up” etc.”