The part about neighbors talking things out before the little things turn into big things reminds me of something that happened shortly after we moved into our house 25+ years ago.
Our lots were all bare when we moved in and we started our landscaping with hardscape and irrigation (low retaining walls, etc.).
We had just finished the retaining walls when the neighbors next door moved in. They were nice enough people, but she pointed out to me that the curve in our retaining wall crossed over into their property by a few inches. I looked closer and she was probably right. She told me that her husband was an attorney and she wanted to have him draw up some kind of release for us to sign.
I told her that's not how neighbors should get along. I told her I'd be more than happy to tear the wall out and have it rebuilt if she wanted, but neighbors don't sign agreements like that with neighbors.
She agreed and we've been best friends ever since. They've moved away and we still hang out (and she's my dentist).
Most neighbors will treat you like a human if you treat them the same way.
