Dear Prudence,
My partner, “Ross,” and I live in a townhouse complex. Our new next-door neighbor has become good pals with Ross. Turns out, he’s a knocker. As soon as Ross gets home from work in the evenings, our neighbor knocks on the door and pulls him out for an hourlong conversation. This is frustrating for two reasons: Our younger dog barks when he hears the knocking and people talking outside, and Ross is slightly miserable about the situation but will not bring himself to set boundaries. He’s asked the neighbor multiple times to text first, but if Ross doesn’t answer a text immediately, the neighbor comes a-knockin’. I’m delighted my partner has a new pal (and he does like him!). But I’m terrified that the loud barking every evening is going to irritate the other neighbors. I’m also frustrated by the random drop-bys, but I understand it may be a cultural difference (our neighbor has only lived in the U.S. for about six months). I’m training our dog, but I don’t want him to stay completely quiet when there are noises outside the door (in case of burglars). How can I convince Ross that this is driving me nuts and to please set boundaries!
—Knocked Out
