My neighbour is driving me mad
Dear Susie
My neighbour is driving me mad. She makes sculptures on our shared driveway and plays her electric guitar far too loud. She’s always changing her look – I don’t know why she can’t choose one style and stick to it! I’ve tried talking to her, that is to say, I haven’t said anything, but then I don’t see why I should have to. Plus I don’t want to upset her – she might play her guitar even LOUDER and it’s loud enough as it is. What do you think I should do?
Yours in a terrible state,
Boggins Bear
Dear Boggins
I’m so sorry to hear that you are in a terrible state. I’m so glad you wrote in as we all need a listening ear sometimes and I am very happy to be that ear.
You said that your neighbour plays her electric guitar too loud and you don’t like looking at her sculptures. That must be very upsetting. It must be even more upsetting that you don’t feel you can talk to her, for fear of her playing the guitar even louder.
I wonder, though. Sometimes we build things up in our minds to be so much worse than they are. Have you tried imagining things the other way around? It can really help to visualise a positive conversation than a negative one.
Then you can have a relaxed and friendly conversation with your neighbour, rather than a tense and angry one. Perhaps you could say something like: “You’re so talented, I love to hear you play the guitar” (even if you really don’t!) “It does get a little loud for me at times, though.”
I really do hope your situation improves – but please don’t hesitate to write in again if you feel the need.
Sympathetically yours,
Susie
