It is strange that people who live closest to you are sometimes total strangers to each to you. Building a good, healthy relationship with your neighbour requires patients, tolerance and acceptance of different culture, values, norms etc.
Being on bad terms with your neighbour can make your life frustrating, day after day. But taking the time to establish good terms with your neighbours has numerous benefits.
Here are few ways to build a good, healthy relationship with your neighbours.
Consider your neighbours' lifestyle
Get to know your neighbours–what they do for a living, what their schedules might be like, and so on. Sometimes, you can remedy problems before they even start; for example, if they work nights, quiet mornings will be important for them. If they have young children, quiet evenings will be very important to them. Similarly, give them information that’ll help them be more considerate of your lifestyle.
Be aware of shared walls
If you live in a condominium, semi-detached house or any structure where you and your neighbours share adjacent living spaces, position noisy household appliances such as washing machines and even TVs and speakers – away from partition walls. If you live above someone, consider putting rubber matting underneath your appliances to deaden or muffle the noise, and remember that someone downstairs can hear you walking around so minimize floor noise.
Practice etiquettes
Simple courtesy goes a long way. When you park your vehicle, be sure not to block anyone’s access. Park in front of your home, not theirs. Avoid slamming your doors or shining your headlights into your neighbour’s windows late at night.
Communicate with your neighbour
Above all, touch base with your neighbours regularly and keep them in the loop. Remember the golden rule and if anything you are planning to do may affect them, minimize it and let them know in advance. Keep the channels of communication open by reminding them that if you’re doing anything which disturbs them, they should feel comfortable approaching you about it.
Be friends with them
It is not easy to begin friendship with anyone, however if you have like minded people living close by, invite them to your house and begin the friendship.
