Five years ago, my wife and I found ourselves living in a cramped single room with our two children. It didnt take a genius to see we desperately needed more space. Though we often chatted about how nice it would be to have a bigger place, our talks never led anywhereuntil the moment we discovered another little one was on the way.
The news forced us to face facts: we simply had to find somewhere larger for our growing family. The only option we could see was to sell our flat, top up the funds with a bit of savings, and buy a three-bedroom placeeven if it meant moving out to the edge of town.
So thats what we did. After selling our flat, we managed to purchase a charming old terraced house with three bedrooms. The previous owners had recently renovated the place, so all that was left was to move our furniture in and try to settle down.
Life seemed to be looking upuntil the neighbours upstairs formed a little alliance and decided to make our lives difficult, clearly determined to establish themselves as the rulers of the house. From that point, the complaints came thick and fast.
Why are the entrance doors open for so long?
Well, we were carrying in boxes and things and needed the doors opensurely thats understandable.
Why do you always park your car under my window?
I park my car beneath my own window; since I live on the first floor and your windows are just above mine, there isnt much I can do, is there?
One day, yet another complaint really got to me.
Your children come home from nursery and run about like lunatics! Theyre disturbing me! And you let them watch cartoons when they get home.
But you live above ushow can our children possibly be bothering you?
The final straw came when the neighbours decided to take out their frustration on my pregnant wife, who was due in just a few weeks. They picked a time when I was out, and marched over in the middle of the afternoon. Their voices were raised, their complaints unending.
Weve come to have a word.
What about?
Your husband, while out for a smoke, let a strange man into the house. He went from door to door offering to make copies of the key fobs for the front entrance.
My husband doesnt smoke (I truly dont and never have.)
They went on to say that if this man made copies, anyone could come and go as they pleased.
When I got home and heard what had happened, Id had enough. I went straight upstairs and, in no uncertain terms, told them not to bring this nonsense to our door again.
Oddly enough, after that incident, things calmed down. The neighbours stopped saying hello, but at least the arguments ended and we all carried on with our lives.
Looking back, I realise that you cant control how people treat you, but you can choose when to stand your ground. Sometimes, making yourself clear is the very thing needed to bring about peace.
