Cats, Cakes and Community Spirit ...

Dear Jill / Daughters in Distress,

I’ve recently rented the upstairs half of a house. I took my downstairs neighbour a chocolate cake to say hello. [She lives on her own - with 4 cats] I’m over noisy mates and parties. I always say hello when I see her but she’s always grumpy with me. What can I do?

Hello DID [Daughter in Distress] ~ Thanks for your message. It seems your neighbour is grumpy full stop. Probably not with you. Living with four cats could indicate she’s lonely. Don’t give up. It sounds like a barrier that needs to be softened with friendliness and neighbourly caring. More cakes? A small bunch of flowers? Ask her in for a cuppa? Lend her a book? Don’t give in. Build community spirit. You’ll feel good and she’ll be putty in your hands before you know it. [Incidentally, putty is a pliable mixture made from linseed oil and chalk which is used to secure glass into place in window frames].

Jill