ArcaMax

Your supervisor should not answer a legitimate complaint by saying, "Oh, but I like it!" That is the essence of shutting you down.

Your lovely office mate might not realize that she whistles while she works as often as she does. Because her actions have an impact on many others, you should not hesitate to give her a heads up that you find it disruptive. You say, "Now that we're in an open-plan office, I'm finding it hard to concentrate and take my calls when you're whistling. I admire your skill, but it's pretty distracting for me."

Earbuds can also help.

Dear Amy: How sad that the writer of "Ball Catcher in Illinois" is bothered because kids step on their lawn. No complaint of vandalism or using profanity or anything else -- just using their lawn!

I am thrilled when the neighbor kids ride their bikes down my driveway -- it takes a village to raise a child!

They should be happy the kids are outside and not glued to video screens. Those kids will be grown up in no time. Wouldn't it be great for all involved for a relationship to form between neighbors?

Maybe someday the writer will need help with something and the kids or their families could help out.

I love my neighbors because of the bonds we've formed. Ball Catcher should consider the gift of being neighborly! He might find it feels good.

-- A Good Neighbor

Dear Neighbor: Several people admonished me for not encouraging "Ball Catcher" to be a better and more involved neighbor. I was too focused on the idea that the kids weren't aware of, or respecting, boundaries.

I do think it's possible to show kids how to respect boundaries, while still being a good neighbor -- but I take your point.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)