Dear Eric: We have a good relationship with our neighbors. They are friendly, and we are mutually available for the cup of proverbial sugar and to monitor the properties of the other.
We always share a wave and a smile, but we do not socialize together, so there is no pressure to make the relationship more or less than it is.
The neighbors have a closed courtyard and several dogs. Our property is not closed and we have no animals.
For any reason, when dogs have to do their business, the neighbors bring them on a leash on our courtyard before. Their door is near our courtyard, but they have to cross their own courtyard to reach ours.
The neighbors clean the solid damage, but we cannot understand how our court has become the designated litter.
Dogs are not sympathetic, so they spend no other time on our property and would have no reason to be more comfortable here.
It seems simultaneously necessary and frivolous to raise this at the risk of upsetting the Goldilocks relationship that we are grateful for.
What would you do? Ask why? Ask to stop? Close the curtains and meditate?
– Perplexed, not upset
Dear puzzling: It is very special that you have been appointed the response service when nature calls. But one of the advantages of this Goldilocks relationship may be that it is enough issues and friendly to withstand a small demand.
Honestly, it seems to be more work to rent the dogs and remove them than to make your neighbors let them go in a place in their own courtyard.
The suspect Gladys Kravitz in me thinks that they know that animal waste residues can sometimes have an unpleasant garden experience and deliberately unload this experience. But let’s just assume the best – maybe it didn’t come to mind.
So ask them to find another place where dogs can relieve themselves. This could arouse an explanation from them – whether you can choose to accept or not – but ideally, they will create a home office so that dogs do their business.
Dear Eric: I find it hard to keep my notes at school.
I have the impression that it is because of my work and to work for five days a week, but I feel like not to tell anyone. If I tell my parents, they will want me to leave my job and work more on my school work, but I’m just not ready to abandon my privilege to earn my own money.
In the past, I had to leave my job for the same reason, so I’m just nervous that they are only going to see this and not the effort I tried to do to succeed in my lessons.
I do not know if I should ask my work to withdraw a few days or stay with the schedule I have. This affects my emotions and my happiness and especially the energy that I have throughout the week.
I want to make sure I get good grades in high school so that I can continue the future I want. But I also want to be able to buy my own things and have my own money. What can I do?
– overloaded
Dear overwork: It shows so much maturity that you think of solutions to this problem. I would have liked to have this level of foresight when I was at school.
The way you approach it also shows the growth of your latest work experience; Your parents will be proud.
The best action plan right now is to talk to your work to reduce your working hours. I hope they are understanding and can welcome you. But if this is not the case, it may not be the right job for you right now. It’s very good. This could be an opportunity to look for a job that allows you better to balance everything.
Holding a job of five days a week can be difficult in high school. You must be congratulated for trying. Acquires precious skills such as time management, organization and prioritization. This will help you at university and beyond. But your school work is crucial here and you do not want to miss educational opportunities for more immediate advantages.
Buying your own things and having your own money is also important. We all want it. Talk to your parents advice or budgeting aid. It is a precious skill that they should be happy to teach you.
I think you will find that, even with reduced working hours, an intelligent budget can help you get the things you want without overcoming you to the point that you cannot take advantage of it once you have bought them.
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askinric.com or Po Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram @ouric and register for his weekly newsletter in Rercthomas.com.
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