Spring is a season of change and renewal. The weather begins to warm up, flowers and trees begin to bloom and as Coloradans we tend to spend a lot more time outside.

If you are outside more with kids and/or pets, think about ways you can reduce the impact your actions have on your neighbors and try to think about how to communicate when their actions impact you. Conflict is usually a mutual feeling, so if you are feeling uncomfortable around your neighbors they are probably feeling the same way, too.

Here are some simple steps to resolving conflict with your neighbors:
1. Approach the person and ask for their help solving the issue
2. Keep an open mind and understand that if you feel hurt or attacked it was probably not done so intentionally by your neighbor
3. Try communicating calmly how you are being affected and your feelings regarding the situation
4. Listen calmly and openly to responses and acknowledge their perspective

For situations that may need a little bit more work than a short conversation with your neighbor, the City of Fort Collins offers a Community Mediation Program. It is a voluntary, confidential dispute resolution service that is provided for residents for free in order to help resolve issues between neighbors, landlords and tenants and roommates. For more information about the program visit fcgov.com/mediation

Source: www.coloradoan.com