It is possible to work through an argument with care and tact.You may have to make the first move in order to resolve a dispute with a neighbor.Working through a dispute will benefit you and your neighbor, as well as create a more positive environment in the neighborhood.
Step 1: Go directly to your neighbor.
You need to confront this person first if you haven't already done so.It's not likely that a neighbor will forgive you.You need to approach your neighbour about the situation if you want forgiveness.If you're not comfortable talking to your neighbor face-to-face, you may want to write a letter detailing your position.
Step 2: Ask your neighbor why they're upset.
In order to fully understand the situation, you need to know what happened to your neighbor.Being able to empathise with the other party is an important part of forgiveness.You will be able to come up with solutions if you understand why your neighbor is mad at you.Is there something bothering you, I noticed that you have been distant lately?Did I do something wrong?
Step 3: Be honest.
If you lie to your neighbor about the situation, they will likely not forgive you.When talking to your neighbor, you need to be direct and honest.Honesty is one way to take responsibility for your actions and is more likely to result in forgiveness than lying to your neighbor.It is possible for dishonest people to be recognized by others and make the problem worse.
Step 4: Don't argue at all.
Even if your neighbor doesn't listen to your side of the story, accept and understand everything he or she has to say.You have to see the issue from their point of view.Try to understand what they are feeling even if you think you did nothing wrong.Make sure you vocalize your position in a respectful and non- accusatory manner if the dispute is the result of a misunderstanding.
Step 5: Accept that you are vulnerable.
You need to accept the role that your actions have played in affecting your neighbor in order to be forgiven.To fully appreciate how your actions impacted your neighbors, you need to think about the situation from their perspective.If your neighbor is upset because your dog went to the bathroom on their lawn and you didn't clean it up, you need to understand that this is a sign of disrespect from their perspective.
Step 6: Sincerely apologize.
It is not enough to say "I'm sorry"If you want to apologize in a meaningful way, you need to explain exactly what you are apologizing for and how this affected your neighbor.You could say, "I apologize for playing my music too loud late at night and I am sorry that I kept you up on a weeknight."I will not allow that to happen again.
Step 7: Ask for forgiveness.
After apologizing, it's helpful to ask for forgiveness.Maybe your neighbors don't know that you are trying to get forgiveness, or that they have forgiven you.If you want to be forgiven, you should ask.I am sorry that I did not ask your permission to trim the hedges.I am aware that you enjoy the added privacy they provide.I will speak with you before trimming.Can you forgive me?
Step 8: Don't be impatient.
It may take time for your neighbor to forgive you after a long discussion about your actions.They might need time to think about how they want to respond.It may take a few days or even a week for them to forgive you.You can end the conversation by saying that you may not be able to forgive me right away.I wanted to let you know how sorry I am.
Step 9: You should change your actions.
It is important that you follow through with your apology after you have apologized for something.It will help rebuild trust with your neighbor.If your dog was going to the bathroom on your neighbor's lawn, you need to make sure it doesn't happen again.Maybe you need to put up a fence to keep your pet out of harms way.
Step 10: Your relationship needs to be rebuilt.
It is helpful to try and rebuild your relationship with your neighbor after you have apologized for your actions.It's not necessary to have a close relationship with your neighbor, but it is a good idea to be friendly and respectful.