Relationship Advice: Be A Good Neighbor

No man is an island…I didn’t say it or coin it, but it’s true. So get off the island and make peace with the other islanders. Your life will be easier.To avoid your own version of the Hatfields vs. the McCoys, give your neighbors special consideration that you wouldn’t give other people. The extra investment is worth it: 1. Don’t hog parking space. Don’t block their driveway, assigned parking, or garage and if possible don’t park right in front of their house. Park in front of your own house. 2. Consider noise pollution before you turn up the volume. Don’t crank stereos or televisions up to top volume if your windows and doors are open or if you share walls in a condo, townhouse, duplex or apartment. Be mindful of your neighbor’s “air space.” 3. Trimming trees, weeding mutual gardens and taking care of grass that affects your neighbors can be a source of friction. Go out of your way to take care of your grass and plants to make your yard attractive. If you’re not sure who’s supposed to trim the trees, find out rather than implementing a cold war. If your neighbor is lax about taking care of yard work, mention it before you blow your stack. Offer to recommend gardeners and landscapers. Give him or her a gift certificate for a free lawn mowing service for Christmas. And if all else fails, let it be.