How To Deal With Difficult Neighbors, According To A Conflict Expert
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Understand that they may not know they’re creating a problem
Remember there is a chance that your neighbor doesn’t even realize their behavior is affecting you. “If you think the neighbor is unaware of the situation and how it is impacting you, then that insight should inform your approach,” Petermen states. “Perhaps you approach the conversation by saying exactly that ‘You may not know this is going on, but every time that you play loud music at 2 a.m. I can hear it throughout my apartment, and it wakes me and my children up. Is there a way that we can work together to fix this? Do you have any ideas?’ The last two questions will segue you into joint problem-solving. As the saying goes ‘two heads are better than one.’ Collaborating to address an issue is a great way to maintain a good relationship with your neighbors.”
