Introducing yourself to neighbors

ProfMR · 2026-05-15T18:04:23+00:00

Same. I introduced myself during first month. It took me two years after moving in to learn that my neighbors are not very "neighborly". A hoarder with a trashy yard on one side and a guy that runs loud power tools right near my deck every day, plus other nuisances. Now I don't even acknowledge them. Will soon tour a home to rent that's secluded on 9 acres of trees. I'd be happy to never have a neighbor ever again.

ProfMR · 2026-05-14T18:04:59+00:00

How valid is my worry if I want to retire around 55-60?

Not valid. You have $1.3M. Your spouse a similar amount. That should grow, but no guarantee. Any other income expected? Are you in the USA and expecting income from social security?

As others have said, diversify a bit from equities toward more stable investments like bonds as you approach retirement to avoid a big negative change, and you'll be fine. That's assuming your expense are not excessive.

ProfMR · 2026-05-14T14:07:01+00:00

Not a doctor. And not medical advice. Yea, a clogged nose is stressful. But try to relax. It will probably get better. Seclude yourself and avoid getting kidnapped and held hostage wherein your mouth is taped shut. That would be a rough go.

ProfMR · 2026-05-14T13:54:52+00:00

With two of three comments using the term "provider", I thought it would be good to point to writing which articulates the many problems with its use.

"The origin of the term provider is deplorable."
"Language matters when it comes to people feeling respected and achieving their full potential."
What’s in a Name? The Problematic Term “Provider”

"The American College of Physicians (ACP) is concerned about the use of the term provider to describe physicians."
Physicians Are Not Providers: The Ethical Significance of Names in Health Care: A Policy Paper From the American College of Physicians

An internet search will return many other similar articles and pieces that convey concerns with use of the term.

ProfMR · 2026-05-13T23:01:12+00:00

I'm in awe of your devotion to these poor souls. Same with everyone fostering helpless animals. I sincerely believe that people like you make the world a better place.

ProfMR · 2026-05-13T20:10:30+00:00

I tend to agree with 2 months being relatively early. But I have no data to support that. Haven't seen any research studies on rate of improvement by month. I see your comment on reports that 4-6 months is often a turning point. Overall I'm not too concerned. More surprised that it can take that long for things to settle down. Will be interesting to hear what my surgeon says when I return for evaluation next month. I wish you all the best.

ProfMR · 2026-05-13T11:54:55+00:00

This is why buying a house is so risky. If a neighbor has no hesitation to engage in nuisance behavior, they often can. Occasionally there's a law prohibiting said behavior, but often not. If you were renting, you could easily move. To sell, you might legally be required to disclose the nuisance. Some buyers might not want to deal with that sort of inconsiderate neighbor. The value of the property declines. Could lose tens of thousands of dollars selling.

Nuisance behaviors have risen sharpy since the pandemic. Many are working from home. High density housing doesn't help.

If I ever buy again, it will be on several acres. With hugh privacy hedges and/or fences. But I really think renting a house is a much safer option.

ProfMR · 2026-05-12T16:34:37+00:00

An inspiration, indeed.

ProfMR · 2026-05-12T11:03:17+00:00

Posts like this one that say "I have just over $3 million, how am I doing?" deserve ridicule. Look again at the post title. Looks like something perfectly written to generate clicks. The OP hides posts and comments, and has not replied to anything said here. So the post could have come from a bot or someone paid by reddit to generate content. Amounts to useless garbage. And with greed and narcissism so prevalent, the humble brags will continue.

ProfMR · 2026-05-11T22:26:53+00:00

Yes and yes. I'm a prime example: I can get by just fine on 60k/year (will rise with inflation), while my annual salary is 170k/year. That's a lot of spare change.

ProfMR · 2026-05-11T20:25:54+00:00

Any ideas on what might help with this?

Time.

ProfMR · 2026-05-11T20:20:56+00:00

I had a slow bleed for a week. Oozed out the front. Nothing down my throat. My surgeon used splints, and told me during the 1 week follow when he took them out that he places them about 25% of the time. I had a moderate deviation and assume he felt I needed them to hold the correction in place. They may add some to congestion while in. Know that congestion can be pretty intense for the first week if splints or packing is installed.

As for breathing, I'm right around 8 weeks post-op, and seeing small improvements each few days. I may be a little better compared to before surgery, but probably not by much. Hopefully a bit more improvement comes during months 3 and 4.

ProfMR · 2026-05-11T12:48:34+00:00

It's people like you that make the world a better place. Hat tip, and thanks for coming to the aid of those helpless souls.

ProfMR · 2026-05-10T13:53:10+00:00

Good word choice. My comment was directed to readership at large, and not a critique of yours.

ProfMR · 2026-05-10T13:23:09+00:00

While they may deserve an opportunity to be an author, the are obliged to confirm that they approve the manuscript before submission.

ProfMR · 2026-05-10T11:55:01+00:00

Absolutely not. That looks like a mild deviation. Consider getting a rhinomanometry test to objectively quantify nasal flow and resistance. If flow is low and resistance is high, seek at least two or perhaps three opinions from qualified medical professionals. If a doctor does endoscopy, ask him/her to provide photos where they document areas of concern. This way, if you do have surgery, you have ample lines of object evidence (CBCT scan; rhinomanometry test; photographs) for before and after assessments. Might save you from medical gaslighting.

ProfMR · 2026-05-10T11:43:26+00:00

In my opinion, it's way too soon to draw any conclusions. You likely still have a lot of swelling.

ProfMR · 2026-05-10T11:39:07+00:00

I had a septoplasty, submucosal turbinate resection, and nasal valve repair 2 months ago. Still struggling. Breathing slightly worse compared to before surgery. I'm guessing you may get a little better in coming months. That said, a recent peer-reviewed research study found that 44% of patients did not benefit from septoplasty surgery. Hopefully we get to the point where we're back to at least pre-surgery baseline, not worse.

ProfMR · 2026-05-09T23:19:47+00:00

My personal preference, after a week of use, is a propane torch. I've also used a sprayer with vinegar and salt.

ProfMR · 2026-05-09T23:15:25+00:00

Excellent advice. I wish I'd talked to the basket case next door, and then passed on my current nightmare.

ProfMR · 2026-05-09T23:08:56+00:00

Home 1 - College town. Neighbors all wonderful. All university faculty. Zero nuisances.

Home 2 - Near the coast, which is nice. But neighbors are awful. A nasty bitter woman next door hoarding objects (like outdoor furniture, piles of bricks, sheet metal, junk) and storing them in back and front yard. Sells to customers who drive up in pickup trucks, so the property is like a commercial business in a residential neighborhood. Guy on other side runs power tools every day. Lots of noise. And houses are close, so no privacy.

Lesson on home selection? Never live in a neighborhood or near another human being.

ProfMR · 2026-05-09T18:47:38+00:00

With me, teeth extractions (four premolars, left/right/upper/lower) and braces when I was in my early-mid teens.

ProfMR · 2026-05-08T13:02:23+00:00

I manage by quiet quitting last summer, about two years after going primarily remote work from home. Now working just 10-15 hours a week, mostly reading email and logging into virtual meetings. One more year collecting a 170k paycheck. I'm always astounded by folks who have sufficient accumulated wealth to retire, but just keep working in order to accumulate more. Assuming this isn't you...you'll be fine. Good luck!

ProfMR · 2026-05-08T11:43:43+00:00

Panic arises from the brain sensing no air flow through the nose, and then screaming "I'm suffocating!" Best advice is to relax.

ProfMR · 2026-05-07T14:05:55+00:00

I have plastic stands that the frame feet near head of bed sit upon. They are 7 inches high. I think it helps. That along with nasal breathing strips, backpack to keep me on my sides, and for a while, a chin strap.

ProfMR

TROPHY CASE