We all know about the big issues in apartment living – pets, parties, parking, smoking and short-stay lets.
But what about those little irritations – the ones that are no big deal but still drive you nuts? Here are a few minor gripes that might just push you or your angry neighbours over the edge.
LIFT LOSERS: Your neighbour is in a hurry to get out of the building so they press both call buttons, up and down, stupidly thinking it doubles their chances of getting the closest lift.
Inevitably, someone on their way up has their trip interrupted by opening lift doors door and the simpering, semi-apologetic smirk or irritated, accusing scowl – because it’s your fault they left home too late – of the double-dipping brain donor. Press one button. You’re only going one way.
RUBBISH RESTERS: Ooh, this bag of kitchen waste really stinks so I’ll leave it outside the front door and pick it up on my way out … after I have updated my Facebook page, written a few tweets, replied to the replies, updated Facebook again, called my bestie about last night and, hang on, why is someone knocking angrily at my front door?
LOBBY LOITERERS: You’ve had a fabulous dinner party with your very smart and witty friends but your drunk colleague with the very loud voice never got round to telling you that hilarious story about the time he got lost in the Ardennes.
So, as they exit, the party moves into extra time in the lift lobby – only now everyone on your floor can hear the story. Ping. The lift bell chimes and is ignored. Ping. There it goes again and he isn’t even at the interesting bit. Ping. Shut him up, shove him in and send him home, please!
RECYCLING REBELS: There are signs everywhere – don’t dump plastic bags in the recycling bins, they screw up the machinery at the depot.
And yet every bin has at least one bag, presumably left by people who find the whole concept of recycling an affront to their “me first” world view. The bag bin is just over there. You can make it, honest.
DOOR SLAMMERS: Every apartment front door has a device that shuts it automatically. Many are set to maximum slam which is great for people who have mysteriously lost the ability to hold a handle. In the words of Hodor, “Hold the door!”
What minor irritations bug you most? Join the gripe-fest on the Forum.