Greetings, Miss Manners On either side of our fence are some really good neighbors. Our own outside seating area is about 20 meters from each house’s outdoor seats. We can hear beautiful birdsong, owls at night, and other sounds because we live next to a forest.
One neighbor has expressed her desire for a tranquil life and enjoys spending the most of her days outside. Given this, can I talk at a normal volume while I’m in my garden? Or should I soften my voice a bit?
It’s definitely not rude to have a casual chat at a casual volume when I’m enjoying coffee outside with my spouse and kids. I dislike having to whisper in my own garden, but I also don’t want to annoy my neighbor.
Stories by
Judith Martin
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PERSONAL READER: Miss Manners promises that you and your family are free to talk at a reasonable volume on your own land, but maybe with the stipulation that you control the noise if any of you become agitated.
With the possible exception of shouting, “Shhh, let’s be considerate of the neighbors!” merely to reward your work.
Miss Manners can be reached by email at [email protected], via her website at www.missmanners.com, or by mail at Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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