Mrs. McSnippy judges neighbors harshly
Dear Amy: Our lovely suburban neighborhood has new neighbors who are causing laughter with their large and unattractive yard decorations.
After neighbors expressed animosity about dead trees left by the contractor, I approached them about the problem and they were very nice about it.
Their property was "spruced up" with whimsical concrete figures on tree stumps, a miniature wishing well and an arched bridge to nowhere. This does not fit with the tasteful, well-groomed or natural yards surrounding them. Now scattered, colorful, flashing neon Christmas lights with no theme give their home the appearance of a New Orleans strip club. Some feel this house's appearance lowers property values and prospective house sales.
They are nice people, but their professional and social affiliations are quite different from ours, and we haven't accepted their dinner invitations. My husband says to leave it alone because it is their property, but their decorating choices are alienating them from the community.
What is appropriate to help make them welcomed? — Across the Street
Dear Across: You and your neighbors sound so snippy that you have me rooting for the New Orleans strip club in your midst.
Your husband is right. Leave these people alone. Unless you have community rules dictating this sort of thing, it is their property and they can do whatever they like with it.
If you want to make your neighbors feel accepted and welcome, then actually welcome and accept them, without judgment and correction.
