Maybe it’s just my perception, but that seems to be the case more and more these days. Many of the small courtesies that people used to show each other seem to be gone, or at least on their way out the door.

Here’s an example…since I moved out at the tender age of 22 (oh so many years ago), I have always lived in an apartment or other rental situation, where there needs to be some give and take with those around you. You are not in your own separate house, and I have always felt that one needs to consider those living in close proximity to you with consideration. Last night, at 11:45 pm, as I turned out the light and was trying to fall asleep, my neighbor directly above me decided she just had to vacuum her bedroom directly above me.

Really? Was the president coming to visit at midnight or something? Seems to me if you’re having company that late, chances are that you are on a level of familiarity with them such that they’re probably not caring if your house is spotless.

I never vacuum after 9 pm (usually no later than 8 pm), and not before 9 am in the morning…not because there are rules against it in the lease, but just because it is the considerate thing to do. Maybe I’m naive, but I seem to remember a time when other people showed the same sort of courtesies.

So what do you think? Is this pattern of “selfishness” growing?