Jamie Lauren Sutton
ContactPosts by Jamie Lauren Sutton:
Dear Ms. Demeanor: How do I get my new neighbors to like me?
August 30, 2013 - 12:55 PM
Dear Ms. Demeanor,
I just moved into a co-op for the first time (I'm a lifelong renter). Now that I'm setting down roots, I'd love to be have a friendlier relationship with my neighbors. Any suggestions on how to break the ice?
Sincerely,
Co-op Virgin
Dear Co-op Virgin,
Congratulations! It really depends on the vibe of the building -- is it icy cool or kibbutz-like? Either way, giving a calling card of sorts (names of all family members, email addresses, home/work/cell numbers) to next door neighbors, super, head doorman, and co-op board president is a lovely and wise gesture.
Read More Dear Ms. Demeanor: I want to buy my neighbor's apartment, but it's not for sale (yet) Read More
August 16, 2013 - 13:06 PM
Dear Ms. Demeanor.
I have been wanting to buy my neighbor's apartment and combine it with mine for what feels like eternity! I hear a rumor she is thinking about retiring to Florida. How can I ask her without seeming rude or like I'm trying to push her out (even though I am)?
Best,
Annie Annex
Dear Annie,
Your approach depends entirely on your relationship with her.
Dear Ms. Demeanor: How should I thank my building staff for helping while I'm away? Read More
July 26, 2013 - 13:14 PM
Dear Ms. Demeanor,
I'm going to be away for a week and want some of the building staff to water my plants and collect my mail. Is that fair to ask? Should I pay them or give a gift? If paying is more appropriate, how much should I give them?
Sincerely,
Bonnie Voyage
Dear Bonnie,
I think it is perfectly acceptable to ask the building staff to water your plants. It is one of the many joys of living in NYC!
Dear Ms. Demeanor: My roommate, the a/c hog
July 12, 2013 - 12:46 PM
Dear Ms. Demeanor,
I am broiling hot (and broiling mad). My roomie's bedroom has the one air conditioner in the apartment. It is fine when her door is open but, when she is "entertaining" and her door is closed, I have to suffer. She has been "entertaining" a lot lately -- and I am melting, melting, melting. What do I do?
Signed,
Hot-when-my-roomie-is-hot-to-trot
Dear Hot,
Your roommate does deserve a modicum of privacy, with guests or without, and you do as well.
Read More Dear Ms. Demeanor: My roommate is a quasi-nudist Read More
June 26, 2013 - 13:22 PM
Dear Ms. Demeanor,
I am doing in the one-bedroom-into-two-fake-wall thing, living the dream in the city post-college. It is all very "Girls" except for my crazy roommate who is basically a nudist (although maybe that still is "Girls.")
As she has gotten more comfortable with me over the year, she is wearing less and less clothing and now I'm lucky if I go a day without seeing her nipples.
Dear Ms. Demeanor: The vestibule in our walk-up building is becoming a storage space. Help! Read More
June 12, 2013 - 11:10 AM
Dear Ms. Demeanor,
I live in a small walk-up building and we allow our neighbors to keep their stroller folded on the first floor so as not to have to carry it up. But now I've noticed that they're starting to leave more things down there and it's getting pretty messy. How should we handle it?
Best,
Veronica Vestibule
Dear Veronica Vestibule,
