When in the comfort of your own home, there's simply nothing worse than being disturbed by pesky neighbours - whether it's children screaming for hours on end, unbearably loud music or explosive arguments between couples. Those of us with unproblematic neighbours often thank our lucky stars that we can enjoy our personal space in peace.
But others aren't so fortunate, as slanging matches often ensue between disgruntled neighbours who are at their wits end with ongoing disturbances. Two people in Australia are at loggerheads over an unusual sound complaint that left one neighbour seething.
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Accused if being an "inconsiderate f***wit," the drama unfolded after one of the neighbours allegedly listened to a self help podcast late at night. The alleged high volume combined with the unsociable hour left the person next door furious.
The person complaining wrote a 'rude' note in fluorescent highlighter pen before displaying it outside. They moaned that the neighbour had been listening to self-help material at high volume “all night” and made their opinions on the disturbance very clear.
The handwritten message says: "Just a tip. Don't play your personal growth videos at max volume all night you inconsiderate f***wit!".
While some of us would have been to embarrassed to respond to such an aggressive expose, the accused neighbour was quick to clap back at the begrudging person next door.
In order to defend themselves, they chose to write their response on the opposite side of the original note, denying the volume was at the level that their neighbour was suggesting.
The anonymous neighbour wrote: "Sincere apologies if my podcast bothered you. I'll adjust the volume and placement of the speaker.
"It was not anywhere near max volume but appreciate the sound must travel and I’m sorry it disturbed you."
Although everything seemed cordial in the first few lines, the accused person then mocked the angry neighbour's initial note by writing their own 'tip', all while suggesting that their neighbour's letter is nasty.
They said: "I also have a tip that swearing at your neighbours isn't very nice or considerate either. Simply bringing an issue to their attention is quite enough. Peace and love."
When both letters were shared on a Facebook page, many social media users were quick to defend the neighbour who was listening to the self help podcast.
One commenter said: "Seems like the old mate neighbour needs to listen to the same personal growth podcast".
Another pointed out the "scorching passive aggression" in the original note.
Facebook users couldn't help but notice the sheer lack of community spirit in the exchange.
"Remember when you would actually speak to your neighbours?" someone said, while another asked: "How hard is it just to be polite?".
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