Noisy neighbors bother reader
My neighbors aren’t exactly the kind of people you could describe as quiet. And really, that isn’t a problem. I’ve always loved the fact that my neighborhood is full of life.
A new family moved in next door about a year ago, and the people in the family do not get along very well with everyone else in the neighborhood. They also are the loudest house in the neighborhood. I believe the two aren’t a coincidence. They yell at one another, use foul language way too loudly and blast their music at all times. However unpleasant it may be, though, this is something that I have gotten past.
But there is one problem I can’t get over: They are a honking house. And I don’t mean they just give a quick beep to let others know they’re outside. No, no. The mother, the father, the sons — all of them — they lay on the horn for an inordinate amount of time. This happens multiple times a day, at all hours, and it seems so unnecessary.
How do I ask them to stop being so outrageous with their horn honking? I know that other neighbors have complained and have gotten less-thanpleasant responses and no results, so I am nervous to approach them. How do I quiet the horns?
Dear Annie: — Horn-Induced Heart Attack
Despite your reservations, try having a chat with them
Dear Horn-Induced Heart Attack:
about their volume problems. Focus on the impact it has on you. I, too, doubt they’ll listen — but at least you’ll be able to say you tried. If and when they raise a racket again, call your police precinct on the non-emergency line. Though it’s unfortunate when we can’t settle neighborly disputes ourselves, it seems that for these particular neighbors, a visit from the police might be the only thing able to cut through the noise.
Many years ago, my next-door neighbor would mow his lawn while I was sleeping. I always let him know what shift I was on and when I would be sleeping. This didn’t matter to him. One time when I got off work at 4 a.m., I decided it was turning light enough for me to be able to mow my lawn. I never had to put up with it again. Whenever he saw me outside after that, he knew it was time to do his outside work.
Dear Annie: — Tired of the Noises
One of the downsides to working unusual shifts is that your quiet hours are most people’s living hours. Though it’s worthwhile to let neighbors know your schedule and ask them to take it into account, I think it’s unrealistic to expect that all of them will. Focus on making your bedroom a sanctuary by investing in blackout curtains and a quality sound machine and normal neighborhood noise will be less of a nuisance.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.
Dear Tired of the Noises: