I've lived in the same neighborhood for 3 yrs. In that time no one has befriended me...no one has welcomed me, no one has hardly even spoken to me. I find that appalling, don't you? Neighbors should be...well... neighborly.
A few months ago some things began to change. A new president was elected to the homeowners association...new committees were formed by newer more enthusiastic neighbors. Before I knew it I was on a committee...before I knew it I was head of one....now things are different...much different. We have had meetings and made plans...we have officially welcomed 4 new families to our "hood". People greet one another on the street and stop their vehicles to say hello to neighbors working in their yards. They meet for barbecue at the pool or offer assistance in times of need.
This weekend we had our first big "neighborhood" event. We had a HUGE community yard sale...and it was a huge success! 24 families participating! Loads of fun and loads of customers! Tomorrow we will compile all our leftover stuff and sell it on the cheap down by the entrance, with proceeds going to the association, all the while hanging out together...tonight we had an impromptu neighborhood party. It was well attended and a blast! People feel like they are a part of something, people feel welcome...people like our neighborhood...I like our neighborhood.
In a few weeks we'll be having a movie night, an ice cream social, a 4th of July Parade...all kinds of things planned and who knows what unplanned....yeah...its nice to have good neighbors...its nice to have fun neighbors...its nice to have neighbors who know your name.
15 comments:
Oh my gosh, I so know what you're saying. It's just sad to actually live in a house, on a street, in a neighborhood and not feel like you know anyone.
Rob and I are kind of in that situation right now. I know the neighbors on one side but we have absolutely nothing in common. And on the other side, well the house is rented by an oil company and the "neighbors" change weekly.
We did live in one neighborhood, in Missouri, where we got the block parties and impromptu barbecues and pool parties going all the time and I tell you, it was so nice.
I miss that. Lucky, lucky you.
We live in apartments (for almost 10 yrs.) which "forces" you to be neighborly. We've just recently (last 6-8 months) got several really nice neighbors with pretty well behaved kids, which makes a huge difference as well.
I must say, I would LOVE to live in a neighborhood with complete anonymity, I'm not a big people person.
For me, to be able to sit in a fenced back yard with trees everywhere, my husband sitting next to me, watching our children would be heaven !
I think a big part of it depends on personalities also. I don't (personally) need neighborhood hoopla, I'm perfectly content with my husband and children ! There are some in our church that love talking and hanging out with neighbors, I think that takes a special gift.
Myself being SO opposite I've really (recently actually) been taking a little time to get to know my neighbors and step out of my comfort zone.
I'm glad I have because I can feel comfortable around them without feeling like we're all trying to avoid eye contact, LOL !:)
Good for you, I think that's great that you're making the change that you want to see within your neighborhood !
Deborah
that is so great! I was so lucky to move into a friendly neighborhood! Great JOB!! We need a sense of community back!
i really need to take a page from your book. i am almost a hermit! as soon as the neighbors starting spotting us out in warmer weather they started greeting us and chatting and i started planning privacy fences (roughly 20 feet high should do!)good for you, you are building a neighborhood and not just occupying one.
I'm glad the sale went well. I know you'd sworn them off for a while. We don't know any of our neighbors...again! Maybe next time!
You sound happy about your neighborhood. We have a neighborhood that puts on a few activities several times a year. In the fall we have a huge bonfire, potluck and pumpkin carving contest in a common field area. Last year we had a community garage sale ... Within out 'hood' we have smaller friendships too. But it's not like we're in each other's business everyday ;)
Sounds like your "Hood" is finally coming together. wE had one for a while but nto much interest since the convicts moved in. Expecting some fireworks this summer but before the 4th of July. The best I can do is be neighborly to those around me. Sounds like a perfect place for you. Hope you find lots of Love there!
That's so awesome Cheryl. It really does make a difference to enjoy the neighborhood you live in. Our neighbors are amazing and it makes life so much sweeter.
Jadasgigi, That's amazing. I am happy for you. It is so nice to live in a community where you have friends to hang out with. Blessings to you.
My good neighbors just moved a few blocks away a few months ago and I miss them terribly even though we still see each other...it was just so convenient to walk right next door...can't knock good neighbors!
It would be good to know our own neighbours a bit better - movie nights sound great!! There are five houses on the street that are part of the church, so we do see each other, but don't do so much of the fun stuff. Good call for summer. . . whenever that's going to come.
What an awesome story! And look what a beautiful home you have. It's a shame that people living so close to one another never say a word. Funny how it all turned around by having a new president! That's simply amazing.
That's so great. I know what it's like feeling all alone in a neighborhood.
Sounds like you all have a fun summer planned together!
Pouring out the salt into the world!
I saw Bek's post about your birthday. Happy birthday! What a wonderful surprise!
Post a Comment