Are You a Good Neighbor - or The One Everyone Hates

Are You a Good Neighbor - or The One Everyone Hates Most of us humans are quite adept at recognizing what annoys us.   But youre perfectly normal if you arent quite as conscious of how what youre doing might be affecting others.   And theres no place thats more evident than on the home front. Lots of neighborhoods seem to have their resident who frustrates, annoys, or infuriates everyone else.   Hopefully, thats not you.   But are you a truly good neighbor who takes care to contribute a positive vibe to the neighborhood?   Or are you one of those who on occasion forgets to consider how your actions might affect others? With summer approaching, now is a good time for a few reminders to keep you from becoming the neighbor that everyone hates! Is Your Curb Appeal Appealing? Whether youre a homeowner or are renting, you probably appreciate the visual appeal of well-kept properties.   And in fact, its about more than just the look.   Neighborhoods that are manicured and tidy have higher resale values than those that are not. Got weeds?   Have a drab or plain looking yard that has little or no flowers or shrubs?   The texture and color variations of plants and hard landscaping (rocks, stone, pavers and such) add a visual richness that both you and your neighbors will appreciate. Pets Are Awesome Unless You Dont Like Pets Sure, you love your pet.   In the U.S., 68% of us have a pet of one sort or another.   But that means there are 32% of us out there who dont have a pet.    For whatever reason, theyve chosen to forego the joys of having a small creature around the house.   Odds are, they dont want your creature, either. While many cities have regulations regarding pets, its still primarily up to you, the pet owner, to be mindful of your non- pet loving neighbors.   So keep these pet tips in mind: Dont let dogs or cats run off leash. Pick up droppings and properly dispose of   them. If your dog loves to bark, consider training classes to quiet them down. About Those Odors and Noises You may be one of the lucky ones who have never been downwind of annoying smells or smoke, or both.   Ive had both, and I can tell you it destroys your outdoor experience.   From the neighbor who liked to cook terrible smelling concoctions to the one who liked to (illegally) burn household trash, Ive had a nosefull. Have you ever been working two jobs, or three, and maybe even going to school?   Those times when every minute of sleep isnt a luxury but a necessity? And the neighbors music or dog or loud car exhaust kept you awake?   No, you dont want to be that neighbor. Odors and sounds have a way of wafting through the air an amazing distance.   So if youre engaging in any activity that is noxious to the nose or might be an auditory assault,   remember that your neighbors may not find it as tolerable as you. Its All About Balance Yes, its true that your space is your space.   But your space is part of a neighborhood.   Being a good neighbor means remaining conscious of the feelings and needs of those who share that space with you.   Its easy.   Just remember the words of wisdom that came from your Mom, to treat others the way youd want to be treated. So keep a healthy balance of respecting both yourself and your neighbor and youll   both be happier!