Greetings, Abby Fortunately, the majority of my neighbors are considerate and kind. We’ve all had a great time celebrating together. Out of the five households, there is one family with whom we have never been able to establish a personal connection. We have tried to reach them with food and gifts, but they have never responded. There’s no hostility, but there’s also no rapport.
A problem has recently emerged that is getting more and more problematic. They park their automobile outdoors because their garage is so full of possessions. Regretfully, the car’s incredibly sensitive alarm system sounds several times during the night. Their cat leaping on the car is what I have seen set it off.
For the past six months, there has been a persistent issue with the alarm, which lasts for 15 to 20 seconds and is loud enough to disrupt sleep.
This irritates me because I think of myself as an easygoing person in general. Since we haven’t had much contact with the family, how can we politely discuss this matter with them? — SLEEPING IN WASHINGTON’S BELLEVUE
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
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Greetings, Sleepy Explain in a note to the couple that their car alarm has been waking you up for the past six months. Ask if the alarm can be adjusted to be less sensitive or if their pet can be kept inside. Bring up the possibility that the cause was their cat leaping on the car in the early hours of the morning.
If you don’t let them know that something is wrong, they won’t realize it. (How do the other neighbors feel about this, I wonder?) If the disturbance persists, you will need to file a nuisance report with the homeowners association, if one exists, or, in the event that no other option is available, the police. I feel sorry for you.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
