These days it’s easy to overlook the importance of building good relationships with our neighbors, yet being a good neighbor isn’t just about living in close proximity. It’s about growing a sense of community, empathy, and mutual respect.
Here are few suggestions on how I at least like to try to be a good neighbor. Please note, we have a VERY LOUD dog who can be annoying. She doesn’t mean to be, but she is. She just hates seeing things in her yard that she doesn’t think should be there: bunnies, squirrels, birds, people she doesn’t know. Therefore, I try to be extra nice to make up for the noise.
Here goes:
A polite smile or a friendly “hi there” is easy to do and can go a long way in building a positive and friendly neighborhood.
Respecting your neighbor’s boundaries is essential for being a good neighbor. Be aware of noise levels (bring the dog in), property lines, and privacy concerns.
Remember, what may seem like harmless fun to you could be disruptive to someone else. For instance, we try not to play pickleball once it’s dark and bedtime.
Offering to help your neighbors with tasks such as carrying groceries, shoveling snow, or watering plants can make a world of difference. Small acts of kindness demonstrate that you care about their well-being and are willing to lend a hand when needed.
For instance, we do have an invisible fence around our yard, but we still screen in our dog with a real fence so she can’t bark at neighbors.
Open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts and addressing concerns. If you have an issue with a neighbor, approach them calmly and respectfully to discuss it. Likewise, be receptive to feedback and willing to compromise when necessary.
Small gestures of consideration, such as returning borrowed items promptly (or not borrowing items to begin with), keeping pets under control, and refraining from parking in front of your neighbor’s driveway can make a big difference in maintaining positive neighborly relations.
Being aware of issues affecting your neighborhood allows you to contribute positively and support initiatives that benefit the community. Facebook can actually be helpful here, as it allows you to find information about what’s going on around you.
Embrace the diversity within your neighborhood and celebrate cultural differences. Take the time to learn about your neighbors’ backgrounds, traditions, and customs. Building bridges across cultural divides enriches the fabric of your community and fosters understanding and tolerance.
Lead by example and treat others with respect — like you want them to treat you. Your positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the well-being of your neighborhood will hopefully inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of kindness and goodwill. Even if it doesn’t, you’ll still feel better about yourself.
To wrap this up, being a good neighbor isn’t just a matter of proximity; it’s about building meaningful connections, showing kindness, and being considerate of others. After all, a strong sense of community starts with each of us doing our part to make our neighborhood a better place to live.
John Zakour lives in Geneva. He is a freelance humor writer with a bachelor’s in computer science from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s in human behavior. He is a chief happiness practitioner. He has sold thousands of gags to strips and magazines and had over 50 books published. He writes his own syndicated comic, “Working Daze,” which has anywhere from 30K-100K daily readers. His “Positive Vibes” column runs every Thursday. Contact him at johnzakour@gmail.com. Or, check out his blog at workingdaze.blogspot.com.
POSITIVE VIBES: Being a good neighbor
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14.03.2024
These days it’s easy to overlook the importance of building good relationships with our neighbors, yet being a good neighbor isn’t just about living in close proximity. It’s about growing a sense of community, empathy, and mutual respect.
Here are few suggestions on how I at least like to try to be a good neighbor. Please note, we have a VERY LOUD dog who can be annoying. She doesn’t mean to be, but she is. She just hates seeing things in her yard that she doesn’t think should be there: bunnies, squirrels, birds, people she doesn’t know. Therefore, I try to be extra nice to make up for the noise.
Here goes:
A polite smile or a friendly “hi there” is easy to do and can go a long way in building a positive and friendly neighborhood.
Respecting your neighbor’s boundaries is essential for being a good neighbor. Be aware of noise levels (bring the dog in), property lines, and privacy........
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