Jamie Lauren Sutton

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

I live in a building with an outside staff that manages the gym, party room, pool, screening rooms and other amenities. Is there an expectation that the guy who swipes your card in the gym or the lifeguard gets tipped?  If so, what is expected?  

Sincerely,

Amy Amenity

Dear Amy Amenity,

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

We have just been through a nightmarish experience with bed bugs and we are allegedly clear.  The catch is we are having family come to stay over the holidays and having still more people over for dinner. 

Do we need to disclose our recent trauma?  I do not want to become a social pariah!

Signed, 

Basting turkey not bed bugs

Dear Basting,

Ms. D's loyal readers and friends have often asked her to draft letters for them, particularly letters of complaint to neighbors or board members. The letter below simplifies the process for all. Circle the appropriate words below and you are good to go!

Dear (Neighbor/Member of the Board/Counsel):

We are writing to inform you of our (concerns/frustration/murderous rage) regarding the (noise/smells/toxic fumes) coming from Apartment _____. It has been very (disruptive/disturbing/nauseating).

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

I have the loveliest new neighbors with the loveliest 8-year-old who takes piano lessons.  He actually practices too which is great for them, not so great for us - the piano is on an adjoining wall.  

I hate to open the Pandora's box of noise complaints because I am guessing our TV is pretty loud, but if I have to hear 'fur elise' one more time I will weep.  What to do?

Your very truly,

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

I love my roommate, really I do. We have been friends since elementary school, went to summer camp together as campers and counselors, lived together in college... We are living the typical post-college life in the city and sharing a one bedroom with a 'wall' to make a second bedroom.