Neighbors park all over the street – Chicago Tribune

Dear Eric: Three friends and I are planning an eight-day cruise in January.

Two other people discovered the trip and are now coming too. This suits us but we are not looking to make it a larger group and I am certainly not looking to become the “cruise director” of the group as often seems to happen.

There is a friend who we think will be very upset when she finds out about the cruise and will feel personally left out. And to be honest, she kind of was.

Although we were careful not to talk about the trip in general so as not to encourage other people to say they wanted to go with us, we didn’t talk very specifically about the trip to this person because they tend to be very negative and those of us who go on a trip can only really take it in small doses.

It’s sad to say, but none of us really want to have a fun vacation with her bringing us down. She doesn’t see this behavior in herself, but everyone else sees it.

I don’t know whether to tell her about this trip in advance or let her figure it out for herself, probably through social media. And if I leave the information out, I don’t know how to proceed. I know she’s going to be upset either way. Any advice?

– Anxious cruiser

Dear Cruiser: I would be inclined to suggest that you say nothing if it weren’t for the delicate question of the truth. It’s perfectly fine for a subset of a group of friends to decide to do something that doesn’t necessarily involve the rest of the group. Hurt feelings may arise, but that in itself is not a betrayal.

But you deliberately tried to exclude this friend, which she might rightly infer if she found out about the trip via social media.

It’s your right, of course, but you must own your choices. To this end, think about what you personally want from this friendship. It won’t help you speak for the group – and hearing “we all think this…” never feels good. But you have an individual connection with this friend that may or may not be damaged by the group’s decision. Let this connection guide your actions.

Dear Eric: I own a few cars that I park on the street in front of my house. Some new toddlers and preschoolers are learning to ride a bike. They are constantly circling in front of my house instead of the house they rent next to me.

Neighbors park all over the street and don’t use the driveway. They own several cars and live in a cul-de-sac.

They don’t watch or teach children how to drive, or even stay off the road when cars pass. But that’s another problem.

My question is: Do I have the right as a homeowner and resident of the county to ask tenants to stay away from the area in front of my house and cars parked in front?

What worries me is that the kids might hit my cars, and it’s actually annoying to see them outside my house for hours. People think they’re my kids and think I don’t watch them.

What can I do?

– Neighborhood watch

Dear watch: Depending on the space available on your street, I’m not sure it’s reasonable to ask neighbors to keep their cars away or keep their children off the street. If you have an HOA there may be guidance, but in general the street is for everyone.

If you notice children behaving dangerously or taking up more than their share of space, you should alert the parents, through a calm, civil conversation.

If I’m reading correctly, you have a few cars on the street and the neighbors have a few cars on the street, but you don’t want them parking on the street. If that’s the case, I’m guessing it’s because they are renting and you are the landlord. I encourage you to abandon this belief.