What would you do?

My wife and I bought a condominium and were dismayed to learn that our downstairs neighbor's snoring is so loud that our entire bedroom shakes. Earplugs and noise machines do not help. I have debated approaching him but doubt that any solution will arise through confrontation. Now we are debating whether to sell our apartment. Please help. -- D.K., Boston

Your entire bedroom shakes? Really? Here's whom you should approach: Your local earthquake-alert center.

I'm surprised that you'd regard selling your apartment and moving as a more appealing solution than simply talking to your neighbor. A conversation need not be a confrontation. Surely if he routinely blasted his stereo, you'd ask him to turn it down. Here too, he's the source of loud noises that disturb others; he must stifle that fortissimo. He could accomplish much with acoustic materials. Or nasal surgery.

If your conversation proves fruitless, then talk to your building manager. It is the manager's obligation to ensure that certain living standards are maintained, including reasonable decibel levels. Indeed, the building's owners themselves may be on the hook for providing at least minimal soundproofing. And if this approach fails, call the cops. No doubt your town has a noise ordinance.

To live among one another requires us to act with civility, but your neighbor can't respond unless you let him know he's causing a problem. Remember: Unlike you, he's able to sleep through the stentorian snoring.

If you do decide to sell the place, you have an obligation to alert prospective buyers to this nocturnal nasal excess, just as those who sold you the place should have warned you.

(Readers can direct their questions and comments by e-mail to ethicist@nytimes.com. This column originates in The New York Times Magazine.)