Can't We All Just Get Along?

Unfortunately the answer to the title question seems to be a simple, unqualified, "NO." Even here in Charleston the "Most Mannerly City" in the U.S. for 12 years running, we don't always agree with our neighbors. Here are some things to keep in mind when the inevitable difficulties arise.

"Conflicts with neighbors are a universal problem. Differences in lifestyles and values trigger disagreements wherever people live. Here are some of the top problems, along with suggestions for resolving them.

Too noisy. Barking dogs and rattling air conditioners are among the excessive noise complaints that most rankle neighbors. Solution: Try talking with neighbor about bothersome noise. There may be an easy solution - extra carpeting, piano practice limited to certain hours, outdoor parties moved inside after 11 p.m. If not, the noise-sensitive might be happiest living somewhere with large yards.

My view is ruined! We're not just talking about new construction that blocks your view of the water. The case of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Michael Palermo is expected to be heard in the Lowell Superior Court next month. The case deals with Palermo and his neighbor, a single mother of two young children. Local police charged Palermo with a string of misdemeanor and felonies because he stood naked in front of a window. Tyngsborough Deputy Police Chief Richard Burrows says, 'The window he was using for exposing faced the street. Not just the victim could see him, but potentially anybody on or near the street could see this going on.' Solution: Before buying, check zoning of nearby land and look into neighborhood construction plans. If all else fails, keep the drapes drawn.

That house is ugly. One side of the house is painted bright yellow; the other is a dark green. MIT professor Richard de Neufville, who lives on the yellow side, says the answer is peaceful coexistence. Before a difference in taste escalated into a much larger issue, de Neufville and his neighbor determined color coordination wasn't worth a fight. 'This is life in the big city. I'm not against, in principle, having the same color, but I don't think I have to make a special effort,' says de Neufville. Solution: Talk it out with neighbors rather than let resentment build, but pick your fights carefully. Is it really worth an argument?"

For the full Boston Globe article from Realtor magazine online: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008040901?OpenDocument