It Takes a Community – Five Tips on How to Be a Great Neighbor
The larger our population grows, the more neighbors we have, and yet the less “neighborly” they seem to be. Urban violence and other symptoms of a fragmented society cause us to be suspicious of others, and restrict us from befriending the people down the block. We know in our hearts what being a good friend means. But maybe it wouldn’t hurt to remind ourselves of what steps we can take to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” Here are five tips on what you can do to be a great neighbor.
1. Welcome a new neighbor with a plate of home-baked cookies and information on how they can get around in their new location; where the grocery store, nearby restaurants and banks are, etc. It’s hard, especially if you are shy, to reach out to a stranger, but the rewards are great.
2. If you plan to throw a party featuring music and a crowd, be considerate and inform the nearby residents. That way, they can plan accordingly. They will appreciate the warning. Wouldn’t you? Note: Turn the music down after midnight.
3. See what you can do to assist your senior neighbors who may need a hand with getting their garbage out to the curb or groceries carried in from the car. Knowing that they can call on you during an emergency situation will be a great relief to them. Helping another feels good in and of itself.
4. Frequent the businesses in and around your neighborhood. It pays to make our money work for us in building these businesses and improving our neighborhoods.
5. When voting time comes around, study the issues, some of which will directly affect where you live. And vote.
Make time to take an active interest in your community. Think of it as your extended family. Loving your neighbors is like loving yourself. Try it. It works.
Patty Mooney has been writing since the age of 16. Her favorite topics include women’s issues, homelessness, homeless veterans, the arts, cinema, biographies, nature and video production. Her work has appeared in many publications around the world, including the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Reader, Create Magazine, Post Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, Yoga Journal and others. You can read her blog, “A Diary Left Open” at http://www.sandiegovideoproduction.blogspot.com Her business site is http://www.crystalpyramid.com
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Tags: family, money, neighborhoods, neighbors, party