Dear Johanna,

After several years of living next door to us, during which I thought we had good, neighborly relations, our neighbor has decided to put up a seven-foot fence across his backyard, effectively shutting out all view of anything going on in our backyard.  Should I be offended?  And, if so, what do you recommend I do?

Shut Out in Saint Louis

Dear Shut Out,

To quote Robert Frost, “Good fences make good neighbors.” So, clearly, if you are a responsible citizen, you should just enjoy that fence and do nothing.  After all, it shuts out your view of your neighbor, as well!  All that being said, I’d be tempted to set off fireworks in the back yard, every now and then, to remind your neighbor that you are still there, smiling behind that fence.

Johanna

Related posts:

1. Ask Johanna
2. Husband says I need to lose weight
3. On Dirty Houses
4. On Gifts From Husbands
5. Ask Johanna: On Husbands

This entry was posted on Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm and is filed under Ask Johanna. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.