One of the best lines we've every heard is, "Do unto your neighbor as you'd like to be treated yourself." Or something like that. Seriously, it's one of the easiest ways to trick yourself into thinking about someone else (besides you) for a change.

Call us crazy, but being a good neighbor seems like common sense. Especially, if you learn to abide by the above-mentioned motto. We've learned over the years that people have a tendency to think mostly about themselves, especially after a few drinks. And most especially after a few drinks with a group of people who followed them home (in a friendly, not stalking manner) from the bar.

But let's break it down. Here are some easy guidelines for those of you who have yet to learn how to live in the civilized world (a.k.a. post-college). We won't call them "rules" since rules tend to get broken:

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Put a name with your face. That way, it will probably make it easier for both of you to approach each other if any issues or disagreements arise.

Think safety. Knowing your neighbors helps you keep an eye and ear out for each other?and for each other's apartment if one of you isn't around. A built-in safety watch in your neighborhood is priceless.

Be considerate. Think about what might bother you and don't do it to your neighbor. For example, you just got the new Radiohead album and you want to listen to it at full volume. Put on headphones. Your neighbor isn't necessarily a fan. Nor ready for that kind of disturbance.

Have parties, but use all above bullets to ensure they don't bother your neighbors. Give your neighbors plenty of advance warning (and your number to call, if you're disturbing them), if you're planning to throw one. You might even want to invite them. They'll be much more apt to tolerate the noise and/or parking issues. Saves you the hassle of explaining to the landlord (or worse, the police) why David's dancing on top of the TV.