My Neighbour Asked Me to Stop Cooking Pongy FoodThen Things Got Personal
Id just moved into a new flat in a three-story terrace house. Ive got two neighboursones a young couple with two kids, and the others a middle-aged woman named Margaret, who lives by herself.
I thought wed all get on fine, as Id never had any bother with neighbours before. But my optimism didnt last long after a strange run-in with the woman next door.
One Friday evening, while I was cooking dinner, the doorbell rang. To my surprise, it was Margaret. She started complaining that the smell of garlic from my flat was seeping through the wall. She said it was so strong she couldnt concentrate on her telly and asked me to go easy on the garlic next time.
I was taken aback but kept quiet and brushed it off. The next week, I made my favourite chicken and garlic pasta. A few days later, my landlord knocked on my door. Someone had complained to him about a «persistent smell issue.»
**The Fix**
At first, I was furious shed gone behind my back and put me in a right spot. Then I figured Id better sort it out properly.
The next time I cooked the same dish, I knocked on Margarets door with a smile and said, Maybe you were just jealous it smelled so good and fancied a taste yourself. I handed her a plate of what Id made.
**A Turn for the Better**
She looked startled but took it and invited me in. Over tea, she told me how garlic bread used to be her favourite as a kid. But her late husband couldnt stand the smell, so she hadnt cooked with garlic in years. The scent from my flat had brought it all back, and shed felt cross at herself for ignoring what she liked.
The next day, Margaret left a note at my door thanking mesaid the food was brilliant. Since then, Ive always made extra for her, and weve even had a few cooking sessions together.
