It’s a quiet Sunday night, and you’ve decided to pitch 2 person tents in your backyard to have a simple home-based family campout. In between making smores, you are suddenly jolted by your neighbor’s resounding electric guitar solo. You don’t mind that he has dreams of becoming a rock star- just as long as it doesn’t interfere with your family bonding night. But if his riffs are starting to make your ears sore all the time, then it’s time to take action.
So, what exactly constitutes a rotten neighbor? Simply put, he’s someone who disturbs your otherwise peaceful home existence. They do annoying things such as play loud music all day or just let their dog bark his lungs out in the dead of the night. They behave as if they were the only people on the block.
The first thing to do is to talk to your neighbor. Just remember not to do it in the heat of anger, as you might say or do something you’ll later on regret. Calmly walk up to him and squarely tell him what’s bothering you about his behavior. In retaliation, he may say some negative things about you as well, so be open to his criticism.
Try to strike a compromise. Come to a decision which will ultimately benefit you both.
If that doesn’t work, call the police. Your neighbor may then realize how bad things have gone that you have resorted to such a measure. It’s either that, or he may just get more furious. In that case, start writing every incident down, so you can make a formal report or complaint to the authorities. Court dramas are nasty, but if it has to reach that level, then so be it.
