How to be a good neighbor

Between headlines about hurricane relief, seeing talk about safety in the news, and the days getting shorter, a lot of us are feeling on edge. But whenever things start to feel dicey, it’s nice to remember who (and what) we can always trust. 

Enter, your neighbors. Studies show that when you know your neighbors, loneliness goes down, optimism goes up, and the whole community sees less crime. I know from personal experience that just being able to wave at a friendly face or chat by the mailbox makes me feel less alone.
I recently asked our audience, “How have you been a good neighbor to the folks in your community?” and I have to say, I’d be glad to have any of you as my neighbor! Here are some of my favorite examples:

• “I recently took part in Earthquake Preparedness outreach on behalf of our city and my neighborhood. We met all of our neighbors and gave them handouts and expressed our desire to help care for each other in times of crisis. We shared contact information (of those who agreed) to stay connected and safe. It felt good!”
• “I’m the one who greets the neighbors when they move in. I make an effort to go over and say hello! I bake goodies for neighbors during the holidays and I try to make get-togethers happen. I’m hoping to be the change I want to see in the world by bringing back the concept of being neighborly to my apartment building.”
• “We have an elderly neighbor whose wife passed away several years ago. We get his mail and take it to him. When I cook something that I know he likes, we take him leftovers. He loves banana pudding so I make him one when I make ours. I always ask him how he’s doing and if he needs anything.”
• “The lady next door to me is a single mom of 2, I’m there for her kids when they get home from school and she’s not home from work yet! She needed a vacation so I took care of her cat for her while she was out of town. During festivals, I save her a parking space so she doesn’t have to walk too far with her kids.” 
• “I am a younger tenant than my neighbors, so I like helping them carry heavy loads or taking out the trash, helping them landscape, pick weeds, or any other needs they have when they call. I also will make extra food to pass out to them. They love me and I love them. It’s a wonder to live around such great people.” 

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, take some time to check on neighbors who might be feeling more isolated. If you haven’t gotten to know your neighbors yet, don’t sweat–your fellow readers have great advice on how to kick off a good relationship:

• “Check on the neighbors who are shut-ins by knocking on their door, bringing warm meals, and offering to play checkers or uno.” 
• “Ask if your neighbors need anything before going to the store.”
• “Help shovel snow or walk dogs for the elderly and check on them when it gets cold.”
• “Ask your neighbors for help! It might sound silly, but sometimes when I offer to help a new neighbor they don’t take me up on it, but whenever I ask they are happy to jump in. It’s a good way to build a real relationship.”
• “I take our neighbors fresh eggs from my chickens and homemade bread.”
• “In the winter I like to invite my neighbors over for hot cocoa or a hot cup of coffee to watch a movie cuddled up in the recliners with blankets.”
• “I asked for everyone’s phone numbers and created a group text with my neighbors on our street.”

Share in the comments: How have your neighbors shown up for YOU?