"When anyone wishes to express indignation about an unwelcome encroachment, the accepted metaphor is not, Can you believe So-and-so was in my living room, uninvited, playing my piano?! The expression is, Can you believe this was going on in my own backyard?! Miss Manners mentions this as a reminder that if you want to maintain good relations with the neighbors, you will absolutely have to be considerate, which means: giving notice of your plans; reassuring them that you are available to handle any unintended inconveniences"
"The house is about 20 years old, and the backyard is surrounded by a standard wooden fence. The condition of the wood suggests the fence has been there nearly as long as the house, and we think it desperately needs to be replaced. Two of our neighbors have fences that adjoin ours and which, based on condition, were built around the same time."
The homeowner's backyard fence is visibly aged and likely needs replacement, and two adjoining neighbors have similarly worn fences. Replacing the fence is within the homeowner's rights, but neighbors merit consideration to preserve good relations. Provide advance notice of the replacement plans and reassure neighbors that any unintended inconveniences will be addressed. Delicately offer the possibility of coordinating or sharing replacement work for potential savings, but accept any refusal without pressure and avoid implying that permission is required. Prioritize communication, consideration, and responsiveness to prevent animosity and maintain amicable neighbor relationships.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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