[originaltext]M: For years, people have been trying to get along well with thei

M: For years, people have been trying to get along well with their neighbours, but how can we? Joining us with some simple tips on how to deal with those not so likeable neighbours is Betty Wong, the Executive Editor of Family Circle magazine. Good morning, Betty.
W: Good morning, John.
M: Well, in an ideal world, I guess we would all get along with our neighbours, wouldn’t we?
W: Right. We hope so.
M: But why is it important to have a good relationship with them?
W: Well, since how you get along with your neighbours really plays a large part in your health well-being and happiness, your neighbours really kind of make your home. It’s important to establish a good or at least polite relationship with your neighbours. Prevent problems later on, or maybe call on them for a favour like you are on a vacation and you need them to water your plants and pick up your mail.
M: Yeah, neighbours can be really helpful, but of course they can also be annoying. My neighbour plays music, really loudly, It’ s extremely loud from early in the morning to late at night. What can I do?
W: Loud music is one of those top complaints, and I think he probably isn’t even aware that he is causing problems to his neighbours. If you bring it to your neighbour’ s attention, he will be more than happy to fix it. You could say something like: I’m really a light sleeper. Can you help me , out by turning down the music during evening hours or in the early morning? Or come up with a compromise.
M: Don’t just call the police, right? Which a lot of people do. But, sometimes we can have unpleasant smells. My neighbour upstairs cooks a lot, and a smelly food smell comes right to the vent. Then what should I do?
W: Well, that’s a tough one. You try to approach them politely, reasonably, and if that doesn’t work, you could just talk to the management because maybe there is something wrong with the ventilation system. That might be a quick fix, without having that uncomfortable conversation.
M: And the neighbour that comes to visit and won’t go away?
W: I think there might be somebody who is really lonely and wants a friend. Oftentimes I think a five-or ten-minute visit is fine. You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbeur at all. You can just be civil and polite.
M: Well, that’s important. Thank you so much for the tips.
W: My pleasure.