How YOU can be a Fabulous Neighbor
by Andrea Reynolds.
Copyright 2006 by the author
What we do in our homes often impacts
others in their homes... sometimes a lot more than we
realize. Noise doesn’t stop at the boundaries of our lot or
property.
We sometimes make unnecessarily loud noise that disturbs
others and we create odors and fumes that can make others
sick. If we think more about our actions we can be more
considerate of our neighbors next door, across the street
and behind us who may be ill, trying to sleep, or needing
quiet to work from home to earn a living.
1.
Make friends. When you
move in invite all the neighbors to an open house or
barbecue. It’s a nice way to get to know everyone, be
inclusive and allow people to get to know you. Sharing food
and drink is a nice way to be neighborly and create
harmony.
2.
Be kind. If you
anticipate that you will have noisy construction or
carpentry work to do in our outside your home - hammering,
drilling, etc. - talk to your neighbors in advance. Let
them know how many days they can expect the disruption and
duration each day.
3.
Be cautious. If you
plan to use aerosol spray paint or stinky roof coating,
inform your neighbors in advance so they can close their
windows and doors or make plans to be away. The fumes
(VOCs) can be deadly to someone with respiratory problems
like asthma or emphysema, and to infants and newborns.
4.
Voices carry. Use your
"indoor" voice outside or near your open windows when
inside. Nobody wants to hear your private conversations.
Take your phone indoors when talking in a loud voice. If
you are having a loud argument, close your windows.
5.
Mend fences. If you
know you have disrupted the lives of your neighbors or
upset them, take them a "grovel" bouquet or make them a pie
or casserole. Find more ways you can be a compassionate,
caring, considerate neighbor. Your neighbors will
appreciate you and they will be open to being more
considerate of your needs, too.
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