offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on WSID atSabrina Shaheen Cronin is the founder and managing partner of The Cronin Law Firm, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Unfortunately, sometimes someone perceives something as harassment and the other person doesn't even realize they are doing anything wrong. Once the"victim" then tries to do something about it, the alleged"perpetrator" is angry and then continues to be cruel, only perpetuating the negative cycle further and further.
Concerning the flag poles, there may be a local ordinance, zoning, or association rule that disallows something of this sort on or near the property line. Usually, there are certain setback requirements and without a special variance or waiver, the neighbor may not be allowed to install flagpoles on or near the property line. My suggestion would be to look into this.
Dear Jackie, I am sorry to hear about your situation. It is unfortunate that you have had to endure such persistent harassment from your neighbors, and I understand how frustrated you must be with the ongoing noise from their flag poles. There are, however, a few things that you can do to address the situation and hopefully find some relief.
Second, you should try speaking with your neighbors directly, or through an intermediary, and politely express your concerns about the noise from the flag poles. They may not know how disruptive it is for you, and they may be willing to make changes to reduce the noise or relocate the flag poles, especially if they are at risk of violating the agreement that you reached in court.