Dear Dorothy,
I’ve recently moved into what I hoped would be a peaceful area, but it turns out the neighbourhood is anything but quiet. Between loud music, barking dogs, and shouting bus conductors, I barely get a moment’s rest. It’s affecting my sleep, my mood, and even my work performance. I don’t want to come across as uptight or start any arguments with the neighbours, but I also can’t go on like this. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Franca
Dear Franca,
Oh, my dear, I do sympathise. There’s nothing quite so draining as being robbed of your peace and quiet, especially in your own home. It’s meant to be your sanctuary, not a battleground of noise.
First things first: have a gentle word with your neighbours. Sometimes, people simply aren’t aware how loud they’re being. A calm, polite conversation, perhaps with a cuppa in hand, can go a long way. Try to approach it in the spirit of goodwill, not confrontation. You’re not pointing fingers, you’re inviting cooperation.
If that doesn’t help, keep a record of the disturbances: times, dates, types of noise. Should you need to involve your local council’s environmental health team, this will support your case. Many councils take noise complaints seriously, especially when they become a consistent problem.
In the meantime, invest in a pair of good-quality earplugs or a white noise machine; they can do wonders for your sleep. Soft music or nature sounds might also soothe your nerves.
And finally, remember to take breaks away from home when possible. A visit to a friend’s or anything to remind you what quiet feels like and give your mind some space.
You deserve to live in peace. Don’t let guilt stop you from seeking it.
Warmly,
Dorothy