Well, I found this thread comforting in that I have so much company. I sympathize as well.

Like you, Billi Leli, when I'm old enough I'm getting into a senior building too. Miserable 20 somethings and their loud music.

I think I'm also sensitive to noise and was born that way. Certain sounds, like a high-pitched drill, will drive me batty. I have to wear earplugs to bed cause I can hear EVERYBODY's footsteps (esp. women in their high heels), cars coming & going, door slamming, people talking, the shower & toilet above me. It's especially bad when I'm already in a bad mood or anxious. My building is NOT peaceful and so poorly constructed & thin it should be illegal to build them like that. No privacy & no quiet. It has an "echo" to it. If maintenance is banging away, you'll hear it throughout the WHOLE *&%^$#@! building!

People tell me they build apartments this way cause it would be too costly to make them more soundproof. Of course, the owners don't have to live in the crap buildings they own.

My upstairs neighbor is a slammer. Slam the doors, the windows, the cabinets. When I tried to talk to her about it, she said I NEED TO BE MORE REASONABLE. I'M THE ONE MESSED UP. Mean ol' lady. She walks like a lumberjack too, making the floor creak and I hear every single thump she makes. Turns on the water FULL BLAST everymorning at a predictable time, so I'm waiting for it. It sounds SO LOUD. The people before her didn't do all this. I hated to see them leave.

Now I have a new neighbor next to me, and I'm waiting for the noise. I get so much anxiety when people move in/out. I HATE IT. I hate not knowing what kind of neighbor I'll get this time.