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Have you ever heard that your coworkers affect your work more than your work itself? That colleagues can make or break any job?<\/p>\n
The same can be said about your neighbours.<\/p>\n
Growing up, I lived next to an extremely inconsiderate family. The father drove a junk removal truck and would park it in front of our house, leaving oil and gunk for us to clean up. The kids were a mess, throwing trash over the fence and being loud at all hours in the backyard and on the front porch.<\/p>\n
It created a consistent unease, something my parents would complain about constantly. It affected the way we lived\u2014if only in a minor sense\u2014and we were thrilled when they moved away, after years of annoyance and noise.<\/p>\n
Being a good neighbour is something you should take pride in. If those who live near you enjoy your company, or don\u2019t even know you\u2019re there, you\u2019re doing a good job.<\/p>\n
Here are a few things to do or keep in mind to be the best neighbour you can possibly be.<\/p>\n
Introduce yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n While it might be awkward, introducing yourself to your neighbours is a great first step. As long as they know your name, it\u2019ll be easier to say hi and make light conversation later on. Just ask a few basics, give a few details, and leave it at that. Simple gifts like a potted plant also go over well, if you want to make a big impact.<\/p>\n Just don\u2019t go overboard: no giant baskets, inviting yourself in, or invasive questions. You don\u2019t want to be that<\/em> neighbour.<\/p>\n Think like your neighbour<\/strong><\/p>\n While you shouldn\u2019t be directed by your neighbour\u2019s schedule, it\u2019s good to have a general idea of how and when they operate. If you know they work the night shift, maybe don\u2019t have a loud party on a Wednesday afternoon. If they\u2019re scared of dogs, don\u2019t have your Great Dane off the leash around them. While, of course, you live your life separately from your neighbours, some consideration goes a long way.<\/p>\n Condos are close quarters<\/strong><\/p>\n If you live in a townhouse, apartment, semi, or condo, you should act like there\u2019s someone in the next room, not the next house over\u2014at least in rooms that have a shared wall with your neighbour. Try to keep appliances off that wall, and don\u2019t play loud music too late or too early in those rooms.<\/p>\n Also, if you live above someone, limit how often you walk around in heels; you\u2019d be surprised how loud that click-clack can be.<\/p>\n