New neighborhood. New Neighbors.
Whether you’ve moved or going to move into an apartment complex, a new condo, or a new home, it’s important to befriend your neighbors. Neighbors are there for that extra stick of butter, or the oregano you forgot on your grocery list. Neighbors are also good for carpools, keeping a key to switch off the stove you left on, or feeding Felix the cat. In any event, it’s good to know who lives close to you and who it is that you share your neighborhood with. So, how does one get chummy with the neighbors?
Ball Pass
Do you or your neighbors have children? Children who play outdoors usually have a basketball, baseball, tennis ball, football, or some other object that can sail over a fence and land in your yard. If your neighbors are good people, they probably unconditionally love their children and feel giddy that they’re outside instead of glued to a video game. Gaining a relationship with your neighbor can very well start with their children. Support the activities these little ones seek outdoors. If that ball comes over your fence make them know that it’s not that big of a deal. Tell the young Kofax that he should have thrown a better curveball. That way it wouldn’t have been crushed to the left-center and landed in your vegetable garden of shame. Maybe you can show them your Michael Jordan step-back jumper while you’re at it.
If You Can Bake.
If you can bake, shake a leg. There aren’t too many people who will turn down cookies, a warm pie, or cupcakes. If you’re not certain of your bakin’ chops move on to sending them some of the fruit or vegetables you may grow in your garden. The object is to be friendly and get acquainted. They say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and a baked good or a few vegetables can lift a number of smiles in your direction.
Have a cocktail party
Put creative invites in their mailboxes. Buy a few different types of liquor and mix a few drinks. Introductions are most always appreciated over free drinks. Be merry. The cocktail party needn’t be too long, nor should it be. All that you need to do is set up a platform for introductions. Your neighbors will appreciate your thoughtfulness. They may even invite you over to their place to reciprocate, and hey, maybe you’ll get some new friends out of it.
Don’t proffer an offer
If you’re in the middle of introducing yourself to the neighbors offer to give them a helping hand from time to time if they need it. You’re not asking to be their gardener, maid service, or concierge, but generosity goes a long way. Offer to water their plants when they leave town, pick up their mail or keep a general eye on their residence. This kind of etiquette will reassure them that you’re looking out for their well-being. Truthfully, it’s in your best interest. One day they’ll likely offer the same kind of generosity to you.
Concluding
There were two people who were sitting on a bench outside their home. They’d lived there for several years. The sun was warming to them. It was a beautiful day with a slight wind. One of the two looked at the other as a woman passed a few yards before them. One of the two said, do you know that woman? The other replied, no, she’s our neighbor.