\n<\/p>\n
However, while our home is our own, we share an auditory space. No one is more entitled to enjoy the space than another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It helps to approach noise-related disputes with empathy and tact, rather than from a position of entitlement, aggression or passive-aggression. Sometimes, just having the right attitude \u2013 leaving a kind note or apologising sincerely can do a lot to douse the flames.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When I moved into my flat three years ago, my children were only four and one years old. My son was still crying at night, and my daughter played noisily with little self-awareness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Knowing they might disturb my immediate neighbour, I apologised to her in advance and sought her forbearance while teaching my children civic-mindedness. I believe that because of that, we never had any conflict over the years, even when my children occasionally disturbed her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps rising noise complaints are a sign that our community has grown more divided and individualistic, even as we live closer together than ever before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In my estate, the loudest source of noise is the construction of an upcoming MRT station that will be completed in a few years. So far, I have not heard of serious complaints. In fact, real estate prices seem to be rising in anticipation of the future convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n If we can tolerate the drilling and clanging of construction, why do we snap at children playing in the void deck or the neighbouring unit?<\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, if we plug out of our phones and plug into our surroundings occasionally \u2013 talk to our neighbours, greet the uncles downstairs, pat our neighbour\u2019s dog, and chat with the children \u2013 we may find these everyday sounds less of a nuisance and simply part of the neighbourhood charm.<\/span><\/p>\nBUILDING A CLOSE-KNIT AND TOLERANT COMMUNITY<\/span><\/h2>\n