How to Deal with an Annoying Neighbor

In my 28 years of life I have had the opportunity to reside in many different communities and housing alternatives. Whether my dwelling was a trailer overlooking the countryside or a single family home nestled in the suburbs, I have seen many interesting neighbors come and go. I have even built long lasting friends with some former and current neighbors. I have shared holidays and life changing events alongside my neighbors. Unfortunately, I have also had many "not so neighborly" neighbors.

While it is true that you do not have to be best friends with your neighbors, it is reasonable to hope for a mutually respectful relationship. Before you overreact and end up on Judge Mathis or the nightly news, take the time to properly deal with your neighbors.

I have found that annoying neighbors live in all regions of the country and are scattered throughout every community. There are many types of annoying neighbors. The five neighbor types listed below are the most common offenders that I have come into contact with. Once you identify your neighbor type, you can begin to solve your problems.

The constant borrower is a neighbor type that most everyone has come into contact with. Whether it's your garden hose or a simple cup of sugar, you have to learn to control the borrowing before things get way out of hand. I know from first hand experience! I have in effect given away many pieces of clothing, movies and various other household items. The key to dealing with a constant borrower is simple. You have to set time limits and heavily enforce them. Don't be afraid to say, " It's ok to borrow my cd but, I would like it back by Friday." On the scheduled return day, be sure to recoup your belongings. Although this may make you feel uncomfortable, you are only enforcing the agreed upon terms.

The nosy neighbor can be extremely annoying to deal with. Whether it's peeping through their blinds to check out your return time, or more blatantly nosy activities, you must be firm with this neighbor type.You can try to use physical barriers like window shades or privacy fences to keep this neighbor from snooping. If physical barriers do not work, you must approach this neighbor to discuss this issue. Just remember that all types of "neighborly spying" is not malicious. For example, having someone watch out for your belongings while you are away is a positive thing. Use care in distinguishing the intent behind the nosy neighbor.

The uninvited guest can also be very hard to handle. These types of neighbors just seem to show up at all of your special activities without an invitation. These neighbors types may even be waiting for you when you return from work or a trip to the grocery store. While this behavior can be very annoying, it is still important not to overreact or jump to conclusions. Consider scheduling times to have neighborly visits. You may even find that you like spending time with your neighbor. If the situation gets out of control, you will have to set boundaries. Remember, you have a right to be comfortable in your own home.

The noisy neighbor can drive you to wits end. Before you go barging over to this neighbor's dwelling, you must consider a variety of factors including the time of day and the number of loud occurrences. Dealing with this neighbor can be especially difficult in close quarters. Sometimes it seems like my upstairs neighbors were going to come through the floor. It used to make me very upset until I realized how thin the insulation between the apartments actually was. Remember, the definition of noise can vary drastically from person to person.

Your neighbor playing a type of music that you find unacceptable does not necessarily constitute noise. While this true, it is also important to note that you do have a right to peace in your own home. Your best bet at acheiving this peace will be to have a talk with your noisy neighbor. A peaceful agreement can often be made with proper communication. If your noisy neighbor is truly being a nuisance, consider reporting this to your local authorities. Many communities have noise ordinances in effect to control disorderly behavior.