How to Be a Good Neighbor

Love thy neighbor ... or at least try to be a considerate one.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Party Supplies
• Address Books
• Invitations
• Flowers
• Houseplants
• Party Decorations
• Desserts

1. Welcome new neighbors with an introductory note or a friendly chat.

2. Maintain the area around your home so that it's neat and attractive.

3. Be conscientious about noises that might disturb your neighbors, such as vacuum cleaners, music, loud talk and barking dogs.

4. End parties at a reasonable hour. While you're at it, invite your neighbors to come, too.

5. Return anything that you borrow from your neighbor, such as tools or appliances, as soon as possible. Express your gratitude when you do so.

6. Replace anything that belongs to your neighbor that you, your children, or your pets break or soil.

7. Respect your neighbor's privacy.

8. Offer to collect mail, water plants and watch the pets while your neighbors are away on a trip.

9. Learn from neighbors with cultural backgrounds different from your own.

10. Invite your neighbor over for a leisurely cup of coffee to discuss any problems you may have, or to share good news.

11. Throw a house party once a year on a weekend or holiday to socialize with your neighbors.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have approached your neighbors about any problems you have with them and they do not respond to your polite requests to respect those around them, try contacting the appropriate officials, such as the rent board or your landlord (if you share the same landlord).

• If they still don't comply, consider calling the police if you think your neighbors are breaking the law with respect to you or your property.