It’s the morning after. What have I gotten myself into, you’re asking. No, you weren’t out on an all night binge. You got elected to your building’s board, the whole episode but a dim recollection. Now you’re having second thoughts – third, and more -- about the wisdom of what you did. Before you throw in the towel, consider these ten ways to make it work – for you and the building. Read more »

No matter if you’re a God-fearing churchgoer or a sun-worshipping pagan on this day you’d do well to honor the commandment if you’re a member of High Rise Society. But how do you suddenly embrace the very people you’ve been avoiding all year? Read more »

Brute force is not the way to settle disputes in High Rise Society or anywhere else – except maybe on the battlefields of Afghanistan. But sometimes residents allow their emotions to get the better of them, something you will not do having been coached in the pacifist path to dispute resolution. (See: How To Outsmart Your Enemies, 1/7-8 /10.) So I offer this as a cautionary tale to remind you of the consequences that could ensue should the urge to attack befall you. Read more »

This is another time-tested technique for dealing with enemies, though you have to be a snake to pull it off so it’s not a method I’d condone. How does it work? Read more »

Living in High Rise Society is not like cocooning in the suburbs. You must be ever vigilant. When you move in no one comes running to greet you with a basket of muffins or a hot apple pie, like they do on Desperate Housewives, but they do watch to see if you smoke, or leave your trash on the floor, or are guilty of some other unpardonable offense. I can’t promise that you will make friends, but odds are you will cultivate enemies. What can you do to protect yourself? Read more »