Criticism may cause tensions between neighbours, while collaboration is more likely to lead to change
Keeping up appearances requires effort from all parties involved. Photo: Getty
Q I own a medium-sized business in a retail park in a town in the west of Ireland. We rely on attracting passing trade for our retail custom and I do believe that any retail operation has to look attractive and be somewhere that people want to spend their time and money. Unfortunately, the exterior of my next-door neighbour’s premises is in disrepair, and it’s affecting the whole area’s image. Can I say something or will I end up creating an even bigger headache for myself?
A For some, including myself, being near a poorly maintained building is bothersome. It’s like walking down a street where one house is well-kept, with neat lawns, trimmed hedges and flowers, while the neighbour’s house has an overgrown, unruly garden.
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