10 things your neighbours do that drive you crazy 
 
 
 
 
 
Did you know that approximately one-fifth of Brits often find themselves arguing with their neighbours over annoying habits that drive them up the walls? A recent online survey discovered that 33% said they were becoming increasingly frustrated about what goes on next door.
 
Ironically, a giant 94% were unwilling to admit that their own behaviour could, in fact, be driving their neighbours nuts as well!   
 
So, how do you discover the most annoying habits of neighbours? And how do you avoid becoming an annoying neighbour yourself? By scrolling down, of course... 
 
1. Slamming doors and arguing loudly (31%) 
Apparently a lot of people like to announce to their neighbours, quite noisily, what time they come home and what arguments they get into with their families!
 
2. Blocking the driveway (29%) 
Who hasn’t been through this one and had to wait for ages until, finally, someone decides to move their car? Most people avoid confrontation in this situation by loudly beeping their horns!
 
3. Parking in your space (24%) 
As everyone has designated spaces to park, this one is, quite frankly, always unacceptable. Even worse is when they don't direct a guest of theirs to park elsewhere!
 
4. Leaving rubbish outside your house (23%) 
How rude! We all know that rubbish belongs in the bin.
You would never even dream of doing the same to them... would you?
 
5. Playing their music/TV too loud (22%) 
You don't wish to hear their tastes in music or TV programmes. Ever. You've even started to look into soundproofing methods in an attempt to minimise noise.
 
6. Neglecting the general upkeep of their house (21%) 
Come on, people! We all know the importance of increasing a neighbourhood’s kerb appeal. Besides, nobody wants to live next door to a house which looks neglected, unsightly and, quite frankly, haunted.
 
7. Allowing their pets to make lots of noise (17%) 
Not that you have anything against pets, but allowing a dog to bark and bark (and then bark some more) will irritate anyone sooner or later! Some might even see that as a deliberate act...
 
8. Having loud and noisy kids (17%) 
Again, a bit of peace and quiet once in a while is all you ever ask for.
 
9. Having to constantly take in their parcels because they’re not home (16%) 
It’s probably okay to be doing this once in a while to help out another (and show them what a good neighbour you can be), but frequent knocks on your door from the delivery man grates on you.
 
10. Not cleaning up their pet’s poo (15%) 
Nobody should have to shield their eyes while walking down their own street. Plus, it makes one wonder what the inside of their home looks like, right?
Article Source: http://www.msn.com/en-ph/lifestyle/relationships/%e2%80%8b10-things-your-neighbours-do-that-drive-you-crazy/ar-BBybghw?li=BBr8Mkn&ocid=iehp
Image Source: http://mouthyhousewives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/noisy_neighbors.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Drive someone up the wall (idiom) ~ to annoy or irritate someone
2. Confrontation (n.) ~ a hostile or argumentative meeting or situation between opposing parties
3. Designated (adj.) ~ be appointed to a specified position
4. Soundproof (v.) ~ any means of reducing the sound pressure with respect to a specified sound source and receptor
5. Kerb appeal (n.) ~ the attractiveness of a property for sale and its surroundings when viewed from the street
6. Unsightly (adj.) ~ unpleasant to look at ugly
7. Deliberate (adj.) ~ done consciously and intentionally
8. Grate (v.) ~ to have an irritating or unpleasant effect
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. How would you describe your relationship with your neighbors?
2. Which of the problems mentioned above have you experienced before? How did you handle it?
3. Do you think you are guilty of any of the offenses mentioned above? What can you do to change your behavior?
4. Why is it important to have a good relationship with your neighbors?