2022 Fall Home and Garden

Page 26 2022 Fall Home & Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 23, 2022 the noise level. Many places have noise ordinances and excessively loud music not only bothers neighbors, but could also get you into trouble. In addition to being considerate and respectful of your neighbors, you should take care of your pets by being a responsible pet owner. Pets can cause problems between neighbors if you let them run wild and they make messes in other people’s yards or scratch car finishes. Though these guidelines seem like common sense, such problems happen too often and can cause friction in the neighborhood. Even when you try to be a good neighbor, problems may occasionally arise. When problems arise, handling them with tact is important. No matter how friendly you are, you may have disagreements or quibbles with neighbors. As Daniel Bortz says, “Generally, if you have an issue with a neighbor, your first line of defense should be to try to resolve the problem with the person directly.” Resolving the problem directly is better because online messages can be misunderstood or come across differently than how you intend them. Hopefully, by working together, you can resolve the conflict peacefully. Finally, good neighbors look out for one another to help keep the neighborhood safer. In an article on how to make your neighborhood safer, Kit Smith says, “Consider swapping offers with neighbors to keep an eye on each other’s home when out of town. Even small efforts can deter crime.” If something seems amiss at their house, check it out. In conclusion, by being a good neighbor, you can help build a safe and caring community. Having a caring community can make your neighborhood a great place to live. [Angela Reiners] Resources: Bortz, Daniel. “Want to be a great neighbor? Here are 9 things etiquette experts say you should do.” Washington Post. 2 Oct. 2018. www.washingtonpost.com Smith, Kit. “8 Simple Ways to Make your Neighborhood Safer.” 14 June 2022. safewise. com