Community Corner

What Bugs You Most About Your Neighbor During The 'Winter Slump': Block Talk

When you're stuck inside dealing with your own stuff, a neighbor's annoying habits may be magnified. What bugs you most, and what do you do?

Nerves can fray during the “winter slump” when outlets for pent-up energy are limited, and everything around you just seems to be irritating.

You’re cooped up inside, dealing with your own circus. The kids are bored, quarreling about whose turn it is, or puking from the “winter vomiting disease.” A pressing work deadline looms. Mounting snow means you have to clear the driveway every couple of hours if you want to get out in the morning.

In the middle of all this, not only are the neighbors not clearing the snow, but their dog will not stop barking. The bass from the neighbor’s music is making your windows rattle and your chest vibrate. And their Christmas display is still lighting up half a city block.

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What bugs you most about your neighbors or neighborhood as winter drags on? Do you let it go, or do you say something?

We’re asking for Block Talk, Patch’s exclusive neighborhood etiquette column. Just fill out the survey below. As always, we don’t collect email addresses.

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About Block Talk

Block Talk is a regular Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.

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