Jamie Lauren Sutton

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

I am sure that you know that rents in this city are notoriously variable and under better wraps than most state secrets.  We are renegotiating our lease.  It is rude to poll the neighbors with similar apartments to find out how much they are paying?

Signed,

Really Rental

Dear Really Rental,

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

On nice days, one of my elderly neighbors brings a lawn chair outside and parks her posterior in front of our building. She also smokes the occasional cigarette and tosses the butts on the sidewalk.

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

Our neighbors just went in to contract to sell their place - same line and level of finish as ours.  I am dying to know what they got for it.  When, if ever, it is okay to ask?

Signed,

Dare I Ask?

Dear Dare I Ask,

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

We are renovating and have to notify the neighbors.  Will you help us write the perfect letter?

Thanking you in advance,

Condolezza Gutterman

Dear Condo-Gut,

Here is the one I recently gave to my own neighbors, accompanied by baskets of cookies to sweeten the blow.

Dear Neighbor,