Neighbourhood behaviour: How to be a good neighbour
When it comes to moving into a new place, there are certain rules we all need to abide by. These aren't set in stone; you can't refer to the 'ten neighbour commandments', but everyone's aware that they exist.
Unfortunately, moving house doesn't come with a handbook of the dos and don'ts to being the perfect neighbour. So to lend a helping hand, here are our top tips for keeping your neighbours happy.
ALWAYS be mindful of sound levels
An issue that never fails to rattle the average Joe's cage is a noisy neighbour. Whether they're sixteen or sixty-four, it doesn't matter. Stop anyone from getting their forty-winks and you'll witness a whole new side to them… and it's not pretty!
It's the classic case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Mess with your neighbour's sleeping patterns and you'll unleash an irrepressible beast! Well, that might be a slight exaggeration. But regardless of your karaoke, drum or SingStar skills, they really don't care; silence is always the preferred alternative.
Our advice is, make peace not war, because revenge is a dish best served cold, and often ten times LOUDER!
NEVER pry into your neighbour's business
Of course we encourage you to be friendly with neighbours; get to know them, show concern and help whenever you can. But there's showing interest, and then there's being too nosy!
We're talking about the individuals who are the first to peep behind the blinds at the slightest noise, the ones who are typically found gossiping over the garden fence, the ones who know more about your life than you do! We've all met one. Just don't let yourself become one of them.
REMEMBER: One good turn deserves another
You've probably heard your parents or grandparents say time and time again that neighbourhoods 'aren't the same as they used to be'. And it's true. Many of us haven't a clue who lives just a few doors down. So why not re-establish that support network by offering to help your neighbours every now and again?
Keep an eye on their home whilst they're away, assist with DIY issues and take out the bins. As they say, one good turn deserves another, so doing the odd favour and helping out is definitely worth it in the long run.