Across America|News|
Is It Too Soon To Put Up Holiday Lights? [Block Talk Survey]
It’s tradition in many neighborhoods to wait until Thanksgiving to turn on holiday lights, but the Christmas season is short this year.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Is It Too Soon To Put Up Holiday Lights? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20241108/021841/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1029370951___08141727292.jpg)
Block Talk
Block Talk is a regular Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "Block Talk" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
Tipping Culture Is Over The Top, Readers Say In Survey [Block Talk]
The gig economy flourished during the pandemic, changing the tipping culture in America; let’s walk that back, readers overwhelmingly say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Tipping Culture Is Over The Top, Readers Say In Survey [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20241101/045159/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2531924249___01165019807.jpg)
Across America|News|
Has The Tipping Culture Hit A Tipping Point? [Block Talk Survey]
A seismic shift in how Americans make a living changed the culture of tipping, and now workers at every turn seem to expect a fat gratuity.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Has The Tipping Culture Hit A Tipping Point? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20241025/022907/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2328873613___25142650128.jpg)
Across America|News|
This Classic Got No Respect In Halloween Candy Throwdown [Block Talk]
Patch readers responding to our Halloween candy throwdown survey don’t want this candy. Do you agree?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![This Classic Got No Respect In Halloween Candy Throwdown [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20241018/044658/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1511409761___18164614453.jpg)
Across America|News|
Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Candy Throwdown Poll [Block Talk Survey]
What candy is best on Halloween? What “treats” — or, more likely, “tricks” — make people the scariest in their neighborhoods?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Candy Throwdown Poll [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20241009/013003/styles/patch_image/public/102022-ped-halloween-candy-02___09132630575.jpg)
Across America|News|
Blinded By The Light: What To Do About Light Pollution [Block Talk]
Often, a polite talk will resolve issues with intrusive outdoor lighting; it may be time to ask local officials to address light pollution.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Blinded By The Light: What To Do About Light Pollution [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20241004/042952/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1742824472___04162727473.jpg)
Across America|News|
What Do You Do About Neighbor’s Bright Lights? [Block Talk Survey]
A Patch reader wonders if it’s really necessary for her neighbor to keep their intrusively bright LED and halogen lights burning all night.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What Do You Do About Neighbor’s Bright Lights? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240926/061341/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1695466663___26181232368.jpg)
Across America|News|
Be Cordial To Neighbors Who Bug You? Or ‘Go Lower’? [Block Talk]
One reader wants her neighbors to complain that the upkeep of her property bugs them, thereby shaming her husband into getting off his bum.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Be Cordial To Neighbors Who Bug You? Or ‘Go Lower’? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240920/035846/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-305640428___20155515222.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Do You Talk To Neighbors About What Bugs You? [Block Talk Survey]
Most of us want to have cordial relationships with our neighbors. But when they do things that bug you, how do you talk to them about it?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Do You Talk To Neighbors About What Bugs You? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240917/122314/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2454210005___17122253865.jpg)
Across America|News|
Annoying Neighbors: Let Us Count The Ways, Readers Say [Block Talk]
From neighbors who have barking, snarling dogs to “basement tenants from hell” to smokers, tokers and fire stokers, readers dish.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Annoying Neighbors: Let Us Count The Ways, Readers Say [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240830/040725/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2369810199___30160157580.jpg)
Across America|News|
Annoying Neighbors: What Ticks You Off? [Block Talk Survey]
Do your neighbors party and play loud music all night, let their dogs bark, or have zero cares to give about the upkeep of their property?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Annoying Neighbors: What Ticks You Off? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240821/023936/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1299304078___21143814902.jpg)
Across America|News|
Entitled, Rude Parents Ruin School Drop-Off For Everyone [Block Talk]
Readers said getting the kids out of the car without delay is the code, but another pointed out “there are challenges you cannot see.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Entitled, Rude Parents Ruin School Drop-Off For Everyone [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240816/042737/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2401451187___16162247668.jpg)
Across America|News|
Does The School Drop-Off Lane Have To Be Torture? [Block Talk Survey]
The school drop-off and pick-up lane is torture because of some parents. Does it have to be this painful? What constitutes proper etiquette?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Does The School Drop-Off Lane Have To Be Torture? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240808/060223/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-199125329___08180052598.jpg)
Across America|News|
Community Facebook Page Etiquette: The Good, Bad And Ugly [Block Talk]
Bullies, conspiracy theories and politicizing everything can suck the fun out of interacting on community social media forums, readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Community Facebook Page Etiquette: The Good, Bad And Ugly [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240802/014940/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2452654291___02014637882.jpg)
Across America|News|
What’s The Etiquette For Community Facebook Pages? [Block Talk Survey]
Your community’s social media page may bring out the best in your neighbors. Or the worst. What’s the best way to keep discussions civil?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What’s The Etiquette For Community Facebook Pages? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240725/035118/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2459771611___25154504590.jpg)
Across America|News|
Not Your Package? Will You Keep It Or Be A Decent Human? [Block Talk]
Just who are these people, readers wondered, and do you really want to know them if they’d keep packages delivered to them by mistake?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Not Your Package? Will You Keep It Or Be A Decent Human? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240719/031456/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2304605183___19151130092.jpg)
Across America|News|
Package Delivery Never Shows: What Do You Do? [Block Talk Survey]
Do you take the package to the intended recipient? Is it OK to check the addresses on a neighbor’s packages as you search for yours?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Package Delivery Never Shows: What Do You Do? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240710/034057/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1152348296___10154008404.jpg)
Across America|News|
Get Off My Lawn, Boomer; Tidy, Close-Cut Lawns So 1950s [Block Talk]
What gives the person with a chemically toxic lawn more rights than the person trying to “rewild” their properties, one reader wondered.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Get Off My Lawn, Boomer; Tidy, Close-Cut Lawns So 1950s [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240705/055036/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2444841455___05173527420.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbor’s Yard Is Weedy, Stinky Mess. What To Do? [Block Talk Survey]
Not everyone in the neighborhood shares the same passion for landscaping, but what do you do about the eyesore next door?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor’s Yard Is Weedy, Stinky Mess. What To Do? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240627/051538/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-419581768___27171429333.jpg)
Across America|News|
If You Don’t Return A Shopping Cart Are You A Total Jerk? [Block Talk]
Some readers threw shade on the “shopping cart theory,” which says people who don’t return them are of questionable moral character.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![If You Don’t Return A Shopping Cart Are You A Total Jerk? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240621/040441/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-532210126___21160210812.jpg)
Across America|News|
Is It OK To Leave Shopping Carts In Parking Lot? [Block Talk Survey]
The “shopping cart theory” holds that a person’s moral character is revealed based on whether they abandon or return carts.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Is It OK To Leave Shopping Carts In Parking Lot? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240613/021111/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-622783631___13140845154.jpg)
Across America|News|
How To Handle Neighbors Who Pollute Summer With Noise? [Block Talk]
Loud music, especially loud bass, topped readers’ complaints about noisy neighbors. Dogs, fireworks and exhaust fans got mentions, too.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How To Handle Neighbors Who Pollute Summer With Noise? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240607/042424/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2095942300___07162155437.jpg)
Across America|News|
Sounds Of Summer: What To Do About Noisy Neighbors [Block Talk Survey]
Aside from the normal sounds of summer, how much noise should you reasonably expect from people living next door, upstairs or downstairs?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Sounds Of Summer: What To Do About Noisy Neighbors [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240530/025451/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2315127481___30145234057.jpg)
Across America|News|
Naughty Or Nice When Neighbor’s Security Camera Is On? [Block Talk]
If a neighbor’s security camera is pointed at your back yard, no matter how tempting to do otherwise, keep your clothes on, readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Naughty Or Nice When Neighbor’s Security Camera Is On? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240524/105131/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-572014516___24105033049.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbor’s Security Camera Records You. OK To Be Naughty? [Survey]
“Obviously, they want to see something, Could I walk around nude in my back yard and do adult things?” someone wondered.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor’s Security Camera Records You. OK To Be Naughty? [Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240516/085902/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-231333556___16205505607.jpg)
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Let It ‘Bee,’ Or ‘Busybody Enviroweenies’? [Block Talk]
No Mow May is one way to help pollinators, but not the only one, many readers said. Others called it an unproven “half-baked idea.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Let It ‘Bee,’ Or ‘Busybody Enviroweenies’? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240510/024239/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2454042299___10143702071.jpg)
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Laziness Or Help For Pollinators? [Block Talk Survey]
For some people, the mowing season is in full swing. Others, who are observing “No Mow May,” say the pause helps imperiled pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Laziness Or Help For Pollinators? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240503/092137/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2310283405___03091944020.jpg)
Across America|News|
Power Tools On Weekends: When Is Too Early? [Block Talk]
Being respectful is important, readers told us, whether to immediate neighbors or the DIYers who want to make the most of their weekends.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Power Tools On Weekends: When Is Too Early? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240426/094811/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-160848248___26094726969.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Is Too Early For Power Tools On Weekends? [Block Talk Survey]
When close neighbors start their circular saws and drills and begin pounding hammers at daybreak, do you fume or admire their ambition?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Is Too Early For Power Tools On Weekends? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240419/094842/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1737338216___19094633545.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home? Real Advice From Parents [Block Talk]
When neighbor kids overstay, there may be a reason. When it comes to setting boundaries, “you don’t,” one reader said. “Just enjoy the kids.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home? Real Advice From Parents [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240412/030905/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-71425417___12150400447.jpg)
Across America|News|
Setting Boundaries If Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home [Block Talk Survey]
The neighbor’s kids and your kids are pals, but they’re always hanging out at your house. Their parents never reciprocate. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Setting Boundaries If Neighbor Kids Won’t Go Home [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240404/062646/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-779142160___04182244363.jpg)
Across America|News|
Just Pick Up Strewn Trash; But, Yes, People Are Slobs [Block Talk]
Should a 75-year-old with a bad back have to scrape a bundt cake off his driveway in what one reader called society’s “not it” game?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Just Pick Up Strewn Trash; But, Yes, People Are Slobs [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240328/062505/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1207638289___28182413062.jpg)
Across America|News|
Who Cleans Up Neighbor's Spilled Trash? [Block Talk Survey]
Responsibility follows trash, right? You might think. Or do you and your neighbors owe it to each other to pick up trash when you see it?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Who Cleans Up Neighbor's Spilled Trash? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240321/031816/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2184636045___21151644752.jpg)
Across America|News|
Leash Your Dogs; Not Everyone Loves Them Or Their Slobber [Block Talk]
Dogs do need room to romp, but unleashing them on daily walks in the neighborhood and parks is dangerous, entitled and rude, readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Leash Your Dogs; Not Everyone Loves Them Or Their Slobber [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240315/114228/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1337012390___15114007484.jpg)
Across America|News|
What’s Up With Unleashed Dogs? [Block Talk Survey]
Leashes may be required, but some people give their dogs the freedom to romp — and jump and slobber on people, or worse, knock them down.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What’s Up With Unleashed Dogs? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240308/111921/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2029725635___08111629808.jpg)
Across America|News|
Bears And Varmints Convince Birders To Remove Feeders [Block Talk]
Feeding birds brings great joy to some but expensive hassles for neighbors who have to exterminate rats and other critters drawn to feeders.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Bears And Varmints Convince Birders To Remove Feeders [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240229/015712/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1361906666___29135015931.jpg)
Across America|News|
Are Well-Meaning Bird Feeders Attracting Vermin? [Block Talk Survey]
Besides pretty birds, your neighbor’s back yard feeder may attract squirrels and raccoons, rats and cats, or even bears. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Are Well-Meaning Bird Feeders Attracting Vermin? [Block Talk Survey]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240222/095556/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-477778825___22215434778.jpg)
Across America|News|
RV Storage: A Property Right, Or A Blight On Your Rights? [Block Talk]
Many readers said how they store RVs on their property is nobody’s business, but others said private property rights aren’t absolute.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![RV Storage: A Property Right, Or A Blight On Your Rights? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240216/025158/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2111000978___16144314905.jpg)
Across America|News|
A Neighbor’s RV Or Camper Is An Eyesore : What Do You Do? [Block Talk]
Some neighborhoods have covenants dictating when people can park their RVs on their property or on the street. What do you think about this?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![A Neighbor’s RV Or Camper Is An Eyesore : What Do You Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240212/104231/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-542408998___12104054247.jpg)
Across America|News|
Turn Off The Christmas Lights; It’s Past Time, People [Block Talk]
Twinkling lights year-round make some people happy. Others are over it. When it comes to blow-up displays, “just nope,” several readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Turn Off The Christmas Lights; It’s Past Time, People [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20240202/120213/styles/patch_image/public/flat-santa___02120054492.jpg)