Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email.
—–
Clare,
I recently bought a digital camera at a garage sale in my neighborhood in South Palm Springs. The guy, who I see jogging by my house all the time, told me that the camera just needed a charge. I spent $65 dollars on the camera and lens. I got it home and the battery wouldn’t charge. I know I will see him again within the next few days. Would it be crazy to ask him for a refund?
– Garage sale gal
Garage sale gal,
Garage sales come with an implied no return policy. It seems fair to ask your neighbor for a refund as long as you do it politely. If your neighbor says no, boycott his future garage sales.
– Clare
—–
Clare,
I just moved into a retirement community. I met my new neighbor and he asked me to grab a drink with him at the clubhouse. I agreed and we had a lovely time – at the end of the night, he walked me home and gave me a quick peck. I have since met a woman at the gym who turns out to also be my neighbor (and my neighbor’s wife). She mentioned that her husband has memory issues and asked me to keep my eye out for him. Should I tell her what happened?
– “Girl” next door
“Girl” next door,
Letting his wife know about her husband’s warm welcome doesn’t seem to have an up side. It’s a sad situation. Do keep an eye out for your neighbor and any new girls on the block. I hope you’re finding lots to enjoy in retirement.
– Clare
—–
Clare,
My neighbor has a little dog that barks all the time. They put the dog out in the front courtyard when it starts barking. The dog continues to bark at anyone or anything near the house. Then the rest of us have to listen to it. This happens as early as 6 AM and even after 10 PM. I can’t believe how inconsiderate they are. They are renters. Should I go and talk to them or just report them to their landlord, the HOA or the city?
– Neighbor nark
Neighbor nark,
While this isn’t a huge hardship, I get why you’re frustrated. Confronting a neighbor directly has the potential to go downhill fast, especially if it’s when you’re tired and/or frustrated. Try to get the landlord involved before you go to the HOA. The renters probably just need a talking to. If nothing changes, head to the HOA, then the city.
– Clare
