I've noticed that my reaction to other people's noises differs significantly depending on the type of noise. If my neighbor is renovating at 10pm because she's

I've noticed that my reaction to other people's noises differs significantly depending on the type of noise. If my neighbor is renovating at 10pm because she's a single mom trying to flip a house while also working 2 jobs, I turn on a noise generator in solidarity. If that same neighbor starts listening to music with too much bass, my initial reaction is more negative until I realize I may be creating noise too when I'm yelling at video games or sports and she may not appreciate hearing that. I believe a strong sense of community is the missing link in a lot of these stories. Understanding is typically a necessary step before acceptance, and most of us don't have the time or take the time to establish that understanding. The world is so busy these days, and our time so filled by all forms of electronics, the only time we run into each other anymore is if we happen to be working on our gardens at similar times.