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For most of us, neighbors are inevitable. A growing population means that we will, undoubtedly, be living close to someone at some point in our lives. Most of the time, neighbors can establish good relationships. But it's the neighbor that drives you batty that is most frustrating! If you are looking for strategies on how to deal with a bad neighbor, consider these tips.
Step 1:

Ask yourself if you are overreacting. Everybody deserves a break once in a while and you should give the same opportunity to your neighbor. Maybe it was an accident or a one-time thing that won't happen again. If your neighbor fouled up and was truly sorry, you may need to just take a deep breath and move on. Chalk it up to life experience and assume that it won't happen again.

Step 2:

Talk to your neighbor. If your neighbor has done something to bother you, the best approach is through a mature conversation between adults. Bring up your concerns to your neighbor in a polite and forward manner and remain open to listening to his side of the story. You need to remain calm at all times, as fighting and yelling will only make matters worse. Work through the problem like adults and agree on a solution that both of you can live with.

Step 3:

Write a letter to your neighbor. If you are unable or unwilling to communicate with your neighbor about his actions, consider writing him a letter. You will have the opportunity to form the letter exactly as you'd like it, and you can get all of your points across without being interrupted or discounted. Again, be genial in your comments. Your neighbor may not have even been aware of the problem, so the letter may come as a surprise. In that case, he will appreciate a kind note from you rather than a raving letter that catches him off guard.

Step 4:

Seek help. If all attempts to reconcile with your bad neighbor fail, it may be necessary for you to get help from someone else. You have a few options here. You can file a complaint with the police if the bad neighbor's actions were considerably awry. Or you can ask friends of the neighbor to approach him on your behalf. The least offensive approach is always best.

Step 5:

Avoid the bad neighbor. If, despite all of your efforts to deal with a bad neighbor, he continues to irk you, it may be time to consider moving away from the neighbor. Some arguments run too deep to be mended and if it makes you awkward to be in your own backyard or in the vicinity of your neighbor, do yourself a favor and get out of that situation. Just a tip though - be sure to research the next neighborhood you move into before you buy the house so that you won't be forced to deal with a bad neighbor again.

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