DEAR SLEEPY: Write the couple a note and explain that for the last six months their car alarm has been waking you up. Point out that the cause may be their cat jumping on the vehicle in the wee hours of the morning, and ask if the alarm can be set to be less sensitive or if their furry family member can be kept inside.

What’s the most respectful way to address this issue with the family, given that we’ve had limited interaction with them?

How do I broach this with my neighbors? There's no animosity between us, but we've never really connected. Now I'm at my wit's end because their car alarm keeps going off at night. How should I proceed?