For so much of my life I didn't bother pursuing friendships with neighbors because I thought I probably would have nothing in common with them. Well, maybe I just got lucky this time and over the past two years I've become good buddy's with a few of the neighbors in our apartment complex and wow what a blessing for all of us!
We keep an eye on one another and if anyone is going out of town or has an emergency there is always someone available basically right next door to help with whatever might need to be done! We borrow items from each other like tools, DVDs, cooking utensils, etc. We also do a food exchange and all of these things saves us all bunches of money!
One neighbor and I cut each others hair and that saves oodles of money. Since I am a retired hairstylist, when I am up to it (I am now disabled) I'll cut a couple of the neighbors' hair for free and then they do something in exchange that I need help with.
There have been times when we 'make a date' and four of us do our marketing together which saves on gasoline and is also hysterical because we have so much goofy fun doing that! It feels like being a kid again instead of a chore. There are so many other perks when getting to know your neighbors but the best perk is friends.
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It sounds like you and your friendly neighbors have created a wonderful community for yourselves. Your story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing it here.
Your post made me smile. :-) I'm glad for you, as I grew up we were good friends with one of my neighbors (an elderly couple with no children). I haven't felt that way about any neighbors since then. Good for you!
Neighbors are fantastic! Everyone should get to know theirs if possible; at least to be pleasant to and say hello!
It's very nice to know who you're neighbors are. They can be a valuable resource for help when times are tough or you for them. We've lived in our neighborhood for 10+ years and have been blessed with neighbors who look out for one another.
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My next door neighbor just called to ask if I wanted two toy boxes for my little boys. She brought them over and they are almost new. I am going to use one outside for balls and such, and one inside for my three year old's sea of toys. This summer, we have given them: mint plants and cuttings, banana bread, strawberries and cherries, space in our yard waste container when it was empty anyway, and some old toys and baby furniture for her daycare.
I always check with her as well as my family and friends before I give something to the Goodwill and I'm sure that I have received much more than what the tax writeoff would have been. Plus, it is nice to wave across our yard and know that I live in a community instead of one lonely house out of many. I plan to leave Christmas baskets for three neighbors this year and want to give them Mayday flowers as well, to keep the community spirit alive.
Jess in Portland, OR
We have lived in our home for 7 years now, and it is only this past summer that we have gotten to know our neighbours. I have to say that I am sorry that we didn't get to know them sooner! What a nice family! She has helped me with my garden (I don't have a clue what I'm doing!) and has become a great friend to my 4 year old son!
By Melanie
This is great.
It is always good to have nice neighbors. (08/28/2006)
By Sharon
That is really nice. I live in a condo and have had some of the other single ladies over for dinner. There are several folks here who at least will wave or say hello. I would like to say we are all friendly to each other but sadly that is not the case. I now have 2 different people not speaking to me. Well I am a nice person and I don't get it. The man upstairs is mad because I got a handicapped place.
By sandy
I don't know any of mine very well yet. I was introduced to one who just happened to be outside at the same time i was looking at this house before I got it.
This is the only way I know mine so far - but it does put me a little closer than not knowing them at all.
http://www.whitepages.com/
You type in your own name & do the search & then when you find your listing click on your name & then when you see your address & phone # click on the button beneath it that says "find neighbors"!
I know it isn't as fun as a bunch of new toys - but hey.
(08/28/2006)
I just moved to a new town and have no idea on how to meet the neighbours. I waved to one of them and they waved back, but I do not want to just go over and knock on the door. Perhaps they are private people? Besides looking in the white pages, does anyone have any ideas? It is really hard to make new friends when you have no clue on how to go about it. (08/29/2006)
By Aquarius
Stop & talk to them!
If you see them working in the yard, maybe it's time to take up walking ;) Or maybe head out to get your mail...or even just go out and work in your yard. But take the time to talk to them!
Go over & ask to borrow a rake or a cup of sugar...something they are bound to have. Just remember to return it.
Start a neighborhood watch program, or ask your city officials about what it takes to do a "block party". Passing out flyers to have a neighborhood pot-luck is sure to make you a friend or three! (08/29/2006)
By Qryztufre
It's me again...I hit submit & thought of another way to meet the people down the street ;)
Have a yard sale (not a garage sale). You'll need to be able to sit in your yard to see where people walk from. When you see that guy from three houses up walk down strike up a conversation with him.
You'll not only get rid of a bunch of junk you no longer need, you'll make some money & maybe a friend or four! (08/29/2006)
By Qryztufre
I have lived in my current home for one year, and we have a small neighborhood: 4 households, or two sets of duplexes. We always run across situations of jumpstarts, fixing cars, or gardening projects; my DH is a handyman/mechanic so we have a lot of tools and help where we can. I bake for new neighboors coming in, to welcome them, and for the moms who don't have time due to working.
We have had to use them as emergency babysitters in the middle of the night (so if you have kids, it is especially important to get to know them!) We also ask each other to keep an eye on things if one has to go out of town. It so different from living in an apartment, because you never see your neighbors in a building, but you eventually run into them in their yard, and it is easier to "see" what you have in common, or can start a conversation (helping with groceries, kids, gardens, etc.)
This past 4th of July, I won a free rental for one of those bounce houses, so I checked with everyone ahead of time for a free weekend (everyone else works!) and I had a 10# bag of chicken leg quarters ($4) and made potatoe salad, threw soda and water bottles in my kids' toy tub with ice, and we had a big bbq to celebrate the end of summer, and everyone got to eat, play, and relax together. The next weekend we helped one with their garage sale, and I got a "new" set of living room tables and lots of clothes. Now I have two sets of neighbors as emergency contacts/pick ups for my older son, a kind of security we never had before! We also share our fruit with them (berries and trees). I guess my moral is to meet your neighbors, you need to be a good neighbor (I always liked Mr. Rogers ;) (08/29/2006)
By Kelly
