Hot Neighbourly Tips
In line with Singapore HeritageFest 2009's theme of celebrating our multi-cultural heritage and getting to know your old and new neighbours better, here are some simple tips for you and your neighbours to break the ice and have a ball of a time together. So here is Know Your Neighbour 101 and 201.
Know Your Neighbour 201:
10 Things NOT to Do With Your Neighbour or Do to Your Neighbour
- Don't close or slam your door immediately upon seeing your neighbour. If the wind seems to be always shutting the door, then get a door stopper!
- Don't drip dry your washing over the window or clean your dustpan over the window sill.
- Don't contribute to the urban legend that our high-rise apartments are haunted by pounding your belachan or spices in the middle of the night or when you know most people are having an afternoon nap.
- Don't call the police as soon as your neighbour starts playing mahjong, unless the games go on till the wee hours of the morning. Even then, try talking to them first.
- Don't ignore your neighbours if they extend a friendly hand. Accept and reciprocate with a smile and greeting.
- Don't get your little Beethoven to practice his or her musical instrument at odd hours for long periods, especially if they are tone deaf. Close your door so that the noise does not disturb your neighbours!
- Don't resort to becoming the community police by dropping letters into your neighbours' post-boxes telling them what annoys you. Learn to be patient and tolerant and find diplomatic ways of solving misunderstandings.
- Don't offer to baby-sit children, pets or plants unless you yourself have green fingers, love animals and have children of your own. Even family ties have been known to be severed over these issues.
- If you are an animal lover, please ensure that your pet stays within your grounds or is leashed when outdoors, and carry a bag to collect its pooh. For plant lovers, keep your plants well trimmed and ensure they are not growing like a jungle.
- Finally, don't think what seems to be a joke to you will be seen in the same way by your neighbour. Be sensitive to cultural and religious practises and once you do find out why certain rituals are observed, you will realise that all cultures advocate the same values. It is how we interpret them that cause misunderstandings.