They say you can choose your friends, but not your neighbors, and they are right. Regardless of where you live (an apartment block or suburban street), you are bound to cross paths with a colorful cast of characters next door.
Some neighbors make life easier, offering sugar when you run out and watering your plants while you’re away. Others, let’s just say, they test your patience skills on a whole new level.
These are the 10 common types of neighbors we all encounter, along with a few pointers on how to deal with them.
1. The Friendly Over-Sharer
You know these neighbors; they are always in a cheerful mood, waving from across the street and greeting you with a big smile. They are friendly, warm, and ever ready to chat. But they also share way too much information.
Five minutes of small talk with them and you somehow know about their latest gyna’s visit and their sister’s marriage troubles. There’s no doubt that their heart is in the right place; only that they don’t quite grasp the concept of boundaries.
Since they are too nice to offend, you end up getting sucked into their lives until one of you moves.
2. The Borrower Who Never Returns
They’ll knock on your door with a smile and a casual, “Can I borrow…?” Of course, you can’t say no to them even when you know they won’t bring it back. You are not sure whether it’s out of forgetfulness or they’re just malicious.
Either way, a few days later, you are forced to knock on their door and use the friendly reminder, “Hey, any chance I could grab that lawnmower back? I’ve got some yard work to do.”
3. The Phantom Neighbor
You’ve lived next to them for years, but you’re still unsure what they look like. The only way to know if they are around is to check for their car in the parking lot. And if you ever meet in the hallways, it’s a simple hello, and that’s that.
Nobody knows why they are never around. Maybe it’s work, maybe it’s extended trips. Heck, no one even has a clear idea of what they do for a living. With that, it’s better to assume work keeps them away rather than some sinister activities.
They are private and completely off the social radar. Not rude, just invisible.
4. The Complainer (The Karen)
These are rude and are a confrontation away from reporting you (or anyone else, for that matter) to the landlord and city council. They thrive on rules and order, and won’t hesitate to exercise their rights.
Loud kids? War. Your grass isn’t green enough? War. Weekend barbecues? More war. Everything out of their control is annoying.
The only way to deal with these types of neighbors is to remain firm but polite. You don’t want to escalate things even if they do, because it’s easier to trim the hedge than start a neighborhood feud.
You also want to document interactions just in case things get messy and you require evidence.
5. The Party Animal
Life is short, and every day is a reason to celebrate, right? That’s the party animal’s attitude. They bring fun and energy to the block, until you are trying to sleep before a work Monday, and their music is thumping at 1 a.m.
But you are not too worried about them because Karen’s got this. It’s only a matter of time before they get an eviction letter from the landlord. And then you’ll both stand at your fences, arms folded, and rant about how Karen is in everyone’s business.
But deep down, you’ll be glad they are leaving.
6. The Gated-Off Loner
Unlike the absentees, these neighbors are usually around. Like the absentees, they live in their private world. They don’t make eye contact, and they rarely wave. No point in inviting them to the block party because they are definitely not interested. Their presence is more felt than seen.
They want to keep to themselves, and that’s fine. Honestly, I wish everyone were like them.
7. The DIY Addict
This is one neighbor you’ll want to have around. They own and have every tool known to mankind. The constant noise can wear thin, but it’s one you can tolerate.
Because they will come in handy when your sink leaks, and they will be glad to fix it for you without any charge.
8. The Watchdog
The watchdog neighbor sees everything. They know who’s moving in, who’s moving out, and how many women you’ve brought in this month. Nothing escapes their attention until your house is broken into, and then they’re suddenly nowhere to be found.
9. The Pet Owner
They are not pet owners, they are pet ‘parents’. These neighbors believe their animal is just “being cute,” even when it’s digging up your flowerbed.
You’ll find paw prints on your car and the occasional surprise on your lawn. Still, you’ve got to admire their dedication to their pets.
10. The Family Next Door
These neighbors have bikes on the lawn and chalk drawings on the sidewalk. And occasionally, a stray ball comes spiraling into your yard. But it’s hard to be annoyed at them, especially when the kids are too polite and you end up giving them treats.
They’re loud sometimes, sure. And your Saturday morning peace is occasionally interrupted. But there’s something oddly comforting about their presence. Maybe it’s because they remind you so much of home.
Be a Good Neighbor
That’s what a neighborhood is about: people of different characters living together. Who knows, maybe to someone, you are the obnoxious neighbor. So, be kind and understanding and try to make the community better.
