[martin-t]

People know their neighbors. Consider that the neighbor might have been known to be anti-social instead (e.g. had one of the subtypes of narcissism) and resolving the issue directly was more likely to lead to a satisfactory outcome for both sides than confronting them because they were likely to escalate / not let go.

Assuming the worst at first is a bad habit but assuming bad intent after a bad track record is established is healthy and helpful.