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Nov 02, 2026 7:30 AM

Photo illustration/animation by Slate. Photos by Getty Images Plus.

Our advice columnists have heard it all over the years—so we’re diving into the Dear Prudence archives to share classic letters with our readers. Submit your own questions to Prudie here .

Dear Prudence,

I’m trying to figure out how to talk to my neighbor about noise without riling him up too much. My husband, our toddlers and I live in an area similar to where I grew up—rural, large land lots, no town-enforced noise laws, and people mostly mind their own business. The occasional early morning chainsaws, noisy parties, and target practice are all pretty live and let live, which is how we like it.…