While you don’t need to be BFFs with your neighbor, it doesn’t mean you should be enemies. Quite on the contrary, being on good and friendly terms with the people next door is something we should all take care of, no matter how sometimes challenging it may be.

At the same time, it often happens that we live right next to someone we’d much rather not. And if you have ever been in that situation, you know how nerve-wracking it can be. Whether it’s the loud neighbor with screaming moms, fighting spouses, horn honkers and tire-squealing drivers, loud music fanatics and late-night partiers, or property fanatics with neighbors trimming boundary trees and sending you the bill, the challenge is the same. How do you handle those lunatics?

If you’re already in a situation where avoiding living next to a nasty neighbor is too late, there are a few strategies to think of. First, you may want to call ahead and pick a time to talk with them. Meeting on the sidewalk or on the property line is the safest place. Second, try not be too accusing, instead let them know how much the problem bothers you and try to find a solution that would work for both of you.

Also, make sure to do your homework and gather all information about local noise and disturbance ordinances. If you cannot meet the neighbor face to face, another option is writing a personal letter. It’s also smart to talk with other neighbors to see if they have experienced the same nuisance caused by the bad neighbor. If they are unhappy with the situation too, they may be happy to help you in finding a solution.

However, if you are on good terms with your neighbor, there's always a practical element that’s beneficial for both of you. When you’re away on vacation and something happens inside your home, you want your neighbor to be the one person to help out and tell you everything including taking care of the house. If you have pets that are especially important.

Sometimes it’s all about being kind for the sake of being kind, but other times we may genuinely develop a friendship with a person next door. If that happens, life just brought a friend living right next to you. And could you ask for more?