I’ve been getting home delivery of The Post for years, but lately my paper has been vanishing in the morning, only to resurface (a bit worse for the wear) later in the day. I suspect one particular neighbor, but don’t know how to approach him. —Jordan T., NoHo
Some New Yorkers think nothing of thumbing through newspapers that are not theirs, pulling out articles and, on occasion, “borrowing” the entire paper. Frankly, a 4-month-old Reader’s Digest sitting in a pediatrician’s waiting room gets more respect.
That being said, I’d advise you not to confront your neighbor unless you actually catch him in the act. Instead, take him into your confidence, explaining that “someone” has been intercepting your paper, preventing you from enjoying it when it arrives. You might even say you’d be happy to share the paper with anyone who asked — once you’re done with it. If that subtle guilt trip doesn’t work, look into having the paper delivered straight to your apartment door or, better still, to your doorknob in a bag. Either way, here’s the silver lining: At least you and your neighbor have similar reading tastes.
A few years ago, the woman down the hall asked me to hold onto her spare key so she could get back into her apartment if ever she locked herself out. I didn’t mind at first, but this arrangement has turned into a nightmare. She calls me for key rescue at least once a week — regardless of the hour. (By the way, she’s not elderly, just absent-minded.) —Matilda M., Greenpoint
Even if she’s young, such frequent key loss could be a sign of an undiagnosed medical condition. Providing that’s not the issue, let her know you’re concerned that one day she won’t be able to reach you, and will be left with no other options but to call a pricey locksmith.
Perhaps together you can brainstorm new ways of preventing her lockouts. For example, she could keep a backup key in her purse. She could also leave a spare key at her place of work, with your building’s property manager or with other friends and family. Another option (if your building will permit it) would be to install a combination lock on her door rather than a keyed one. But watch out: Next she’ll be calling you because she’s forgotten her code!
I reside in a walk-up with no doorman. Because most folks who live here work in an office during the day, they can’t get package deliveries unless someone else signs for them. I work from home, so guess who gets to play doorman all day? —Jessie H., Woodside
Your workday is every bit as valid as theirs, and just because you’re on-site doesn’t mean you should be hopping up every time a brown truck pulls in front of your building. You need to focus on work — not on their packages. If they can’t be there to sign on the dotted line, then perhaps they should be sending their Amazon and Zappos goodies to the office.
Next column: kids, co-ops and condos: the good, the bad and the ugly. Got a question? E-mail me at testingthemarketnyc@gmail.com or Tweet me @MisterManners.