I live in Martin Place as does the person who wrote in complaining about the people below her telling her to be quiet. Seeing that this is my second year to live in this apartment complex, it is quite obvious to me that she has a third floor apartment and is not subjected to the incessant banging, booming and rattling that goes on above those on the first and second floors.

In the two years I have lived here, my neighbors below me have only once come to request that we be quiet. We are continuously conscious of our noise level because others around us are not, and it can make you miserable.

It is understandable that in normal everyday living some noise will be made, and with the paper-thin walls of these apartments, that noise will be heard.

However, it is enough to make someone lose control when there is constant banging and knocking from above. Just imagine how I feel constantly hearing the music and footsteps of the people upstairs every time I sit to study, watch TV or talk on the phone.

Not to mention being able to name the song they are dancing to as I try to sleep. The noise is always there. Don't these people ever rest?!?

Hoping it will be quieter in my room where a common area is not above me, I often hide in there only to find myself listening to the next door neighbor belt out her favorite song at the top of her lungs.

It is never-ending noise!!

I understand we are college students, and partying and playing goes on; that is not the problem. The problem is the immaturity of others to respect their neighbors.

When we politely go upstairs to request that they be a little quieter, they respond by cranking the radio and stomping on the floor. Is that the way to behave?

You say your definition of being civil does not include politely asking the neighbors to be quiet, but having a basketball game in your living room to purposefully make noise when they complain to you is civil?

I don't think you are the one to be telling us to grow up! Trust me, they are more irritated by the noise than you are by them telling you to stop.

All I ask is for everyone to take into account that there are others around who may have something important to do. Don't just dismiss them when they ask you to quiet down. Respect them, and maybe they will do the same for you.

Kelly R. Ragon is a senior Nursing major from Germantown.