Nosy Neighbors? National Survey Finds Many Have Seen Or Heard Embarrassing Moments Next Door

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Be careful what you say and do around the house, as nearly one in five people say their neighbor has seen them in an embarrassing situation, while a similar number has regretted overhearing something their neighbor has said, according to a new national survey conducted by the home furnishings retailer Anna's Linens.

Of the 3,100 people surveyed nationally, 18 percent said their neighbor has seen them in an embarrassing situation.  And 14 percent said they had overheard a neighbor discussing or saying something they wish they hadn't heard.

The survey, conducted earlier this summer by Anna's Linens, addressed a number of neighborly areas, including what we thought of our neighbors' house and decor, how we feel toward those living next door and how often we socialize with them.

More than 60 percent of those surveyed said they consider themselves "excellent" or "good" neighbors.  Still, 4 percent indicated they had borrowed something from their neighbor (e.g. newspaper, hose, ladder) without them knowing.  On the other hand, twice as many people surveyed suspect their neighbor has borrowed something from them without asking.

"It seems that no matter how many black-out curtains you have, many of us are bound to say or do something that will inevitably attract the attention of our neighbors," said Alan Gladstone, CEO of Anna's Linens, the home furnishings retailer he founded in 1987.  "Maybe good -- and tall -- fences really do make for good neighbors."

When asked to characterize those living next door, nearly half the respondents (47 percent) indicated that their neighbors are "good," while approximately one-third (35 percent) said they are "OK."  Thirteen percent of those surveyed feel their neighbors are "great."

Despite their apparent satisfaction with their current neighbors, 44 percent said they preferred their childhood neighbors over their current ones.  Thirty percent said the neighbors they have today are preferred over those they had as children.

For full survey data, contact [email protected].

About Anna's Linens

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Anna's Linens is the 13th largest retailer of home textiles and home decor items. The company was founded in 1987 by its current chairman and CEO, Alan Gladstone, and named after Alan's mother, Anna.  A family-run business with more than 3,200 employees, Anna's currently operates more than 300 stores throughout 19 states and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Anna's Linens