Neighbors

Does Anyone actually take the time to know their neighbors anymore?

It feels like the whole world has lost touch with the art of communication. When I was young, if we moved, we would bake a dish and go introduce ourselves to the neighbors or vice versa. It was how we got to know not only our surroundings but establish safety within our area. As a kid it was also how I got to find friends my own age to play with.

As a young adult, I noticed it was becoming more and more a trend to ignore your neighbors and focus on your own life. I get that to an extent, being nosey is annoying all hell, and what you do is your business, no one else's. However, getting to know your neighbors doesn't have to mean sharing every single detail with them. It is an opportunity to connect, to find common ground, and possibly share knowledge.

This is not to belittle antisocial individuals, you can be antisocial and still take time to build a connection with those around you in your own way. There is nothing wrong with being alone, but there is also nothing wrong with having a "village" for support either.

One of the kindest things I ever had happen was when my mother lived alone with my youngest brother. She had an unwelcome visitor show up at her house, and after telling this person to leave, she let the neighbors know what had happened. This person tried to come back while she slept, and without tell my mother the neighborhood had set up shifts to take care of her and her home. The neighbors kept an eye out for her. They didn't get nosey, they didn't push their opinions, they simply offered her assistance and protection. She only said hi in passing, and occasionally baked cookies during the holidays, but the support was offered all the same. When we stand together, we can stand stronger. It doesn't weaken us or even take much to build these bonds aside from showing up or taking an interest.

That was a kind connection that had no expectations of socializing. Another example is the neighborhood I lived in CO, used to have a weekly BBQ during the summer. Much more social, but it was a chill atmosphere that all could attend without any issues. Multiple people from different backgrounds shared a meal and also shared watching the children. From those cookouts, I gained not only friends, but business relations, future babysitters, and knowledge on crafting. I love the arts.

Now I live in a lovely home with neighbors I can literally borrow a cup of sugar from. I know if I need anything I can ask. It may not be like this in every neighborhood, but if you don't take the time to try how will you know? What type of world do we want for our children or even for our friends and family?