Ask Amy: Neighbor’s remodel turns ugly
Please give me a script I can use to ask them to keep the noise down during work hours, or perhaps to encourage the child not to scream. I don't want to offend anyone, but I have to work!
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: Contact your neighbors. Mention how adorable the three-year-old is. Say, “I have to work from home right now, and so I’m wondering if you could try extra-hard to keep things quieter during work hours. I’ll tape a red piece of paper in the window during my conference calls, so at least you’ll know the times I’m on the phone.” A visual cue might prompt both parent and child to turn their volume down.
Dear Amy: Poor “Stuck in Florida” was complaining about his live-in girlfriend’s inadequate COVID precautions.
Thank you for reminding him that the house where they live belongs to her.
I have a recommendation for him. If he doesn’t like it, he can leave!
Fed Up
Dear Fed Up: When this letter was published, leaving was not really a possibility.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)