Neighborly Interactions

I have spent a lot of time talking about THAT guy lately so I wanted to see what other people thought about THAT guy.  I came across this excellent website that dissects THAT guy.


Check out thatguy.com!

Situations Not Involving THAT Guy

The suggestions from yesterdays post will work for all settings but THAT guy situations are the most irritating and most common in apartment settings.  You can use these skills in cordial settings as well.

For example, if you are shy about greeting new neighbors or talking to neighbors while going to and from your apartment, these skills can prove useful.  Have a plan.  Know how you will greet or talk to your neighbor.  Instead of spouting a quick “hello” while digging in your purse for something that does not exist have the resolve to stand up straight, give a little smile, and give a thoughtful “hello.”  A good salutation can make you feel good about yourself and can make the difference in someone’s day.  Being specific and remaining calm are more important for longer conversations.

Often a chatty neighbor is just someone that is not specific or calm when trying to say what he or she wants to say.  A number of times I have had the privilege of chattering on in front of my door with a neighbor when I just want to get inside and sit down.  A chatty neighbor is far from being a THAT guy and a good chat can be nice from time to time. 

If you are a chatty neighbor, try to be specific about one or two things.  Instead of asking about the weather in general ask something like, “have you ever seen this much rain?” or, “do you think it will ever stop snowing?”  This allows your neighbor to give a quick answer if they need to move along and allows you to give a quick “good day.”  This will also permits your neighbor to add to the conversation if they would like to chat longer.  If this happens, feel free to chat away but remain calm.

Often a neighbor can chatter on and on without ever getting to a point.  If this sound like you just relax.  If your neighbor has added to your metrological query then allow him or her to continue.  Be sure to interject a question here and there and remember to breathe. 

Remember how you see a situation and how you experience things will often differ greatly for your neighbor and especially THAT guy.  If you approach the any situation with this ideal and apply these skills, you will always come out on top.  However, if you use these skills and still cannot get the results you want please stay tuned.  There will be much more to read about neighbor relationships. 

If you have any THAT guy stories or humors neighborly interactions please comment or drop me a line.