Talking to a Neighbour About the Noise

Hello, um, sorry to bother you. I'm Helen, from downstairs.

Oh, hi! I'm Jake. I moved in last month.

Lovely to meet you. I hope you're settling in well.

Actually, there's something a bit awkward I need to bring up.

Oh. That doesn't sound good. What is it?

It's about the music, late at night.

I could hear it until two in the morning on Tuesday.

Two in the morning? Was it really that loud?

I'm afraid so. The bass comes straight through my ceiling.

I'm so sorry. I honestly had no idea the floors were that thin.

I guessed you didn't. That's why I came up instead of complaining.

I appreciate that. Most people would have just called the landlord.

The thing is, I start work at six, so I've been exhausted all week.

That's awful. I feel terrible about it.

I work from home as a sound designer,

so I tend to lose track of time.

A sound designer? So it wasn't a party, then?

No! Just me and a very boring deadline.

Well, your deadline has a lot of drums in it.

What if I switched to headphones after ten?

That would make a huge difference. Thank you.

And I could put a thick rug down to absorb the bass.

Oh! Would you really do that?

Of course. It's the least I can do.

You know, I was dreading this conversation.

Honestly, I'm glad you knocked.

If it ever gets too loud again, I'll just send you a message.

Deal. And if you ever want free concert tickets, let me know!

Free tickets? Now you're my favourite neighbour!