Suburban living, unfortunately, may bring with it an occasional nuisance that affects your quality of life. If a chronic nuisance affecting you is caused by an adjacent neighbor or business, you may be able to remedy the problem using diplomacy. Contact the offending party first, either verbally or in writing, and tell them that you are affected by their actions. They may be unaware!

If you feel that a conversation between you and the offending party may become emotional, consider writing them a letter. Seek the help of neighbors who are also affected by this nuisance by asking them to accompany you when you approach the offending party or to co-sign a letter.

During your efforts to solve a chronic nuisance, be sure to keep track of any conversations or correspondence with the offender or calls that you make to the police. This will help document the history of the problem should mediation or legal measures become necessary.