Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: A Comedy of Manners

Tom and Jerry, neighbors in a small cul-de-sac, decided one sunny afternoon to bury the hatchet and have a friendly chat over the fence. Tom, always the chatterbox, started the conversation with a bang. 'Jerry, I've been meaning to tell you, your garden is the talk of the town.'

Jerry, a bit taken aback, replied, 'Thanks, Tom. I do put my heart and soul into it.' The conversation was off to a good start, but things were about to get rocky.

Tom, trying to be helpful, said, 'I noticed your car's been making a strange noise. If you want, I can take a look-see.' Jerry, a stickler for privacy, felt his privacy invaded. 'Thanks, but I'll handle it.'

The conversation turned to the neighborhood. 'Did you hear about the Smiths upping sticks and moving out?' Tom asked. Jerry, caught off guard, blurted out, 'Good riddance, they were pain in the neck.' Tom, a close friend of the Smiths, was visibly upset.

As they continued their chat, every well-meaning comment seemed to hit a nerve. Compliments were misconstrued, and advice was taken with a pinch of salt. It was a classic case of good intentions going down the drain.

Finally, as the sun set, they decided it was best to call it a day. 'Well, good talking to you, Jerry,' Tom said, with a forced smile. 'Likewise, Tom,' Jerry replied, feeling the awkwardness in the air.

They went back into their houses, realizing that sometimes, less is more when it comes to neighborly exchanges.