Being Neighborly Pays Off

[MineralMan]

9. Many people are simply afraid to interact.

Just waving and saying "Hi" to neighbors is a good start. Walking dogs is also a good introduction, too. Our beagle and beagle/basset mix pooches love people. Any people. Children think they're cute, too. I make a point to wave hello, smile, and say something to children who are looking at our dogs. They always respond. Their parents notice that we are being friendly, and respond accordingly, too.

The words, "Can I help?" are also very useful. If I see a neighbor trying to move something heavy, I ask that. Generally, the answer is "Thanks." Even though I'm old, I can still do things like that.

It's simply being neighborly, whoever your neighbor is. On residential streets, people recognize me as someone who lives nearby, so they're not afraid of me. I recognize them, too. I have tools that many neighbors don't have. I loan hand tools, but not power tools, because many don't know how to use them. If I can, though, I will come with a needed power tool and help, after asking.

I have a snowblower, so I blow the snow off the city sidewalks two doors down and two doors up the street. It's no real work, and takes only a few minutes. Many of my neighbors don't have one, so I save them from having to shovel off those public walks. Besides, we walk our dogs in the winter months, too, and a clear sidewalk helps. Other neighbors with snowblowers do the same thing to help their neighbors, as well.

That's how I was brought up, so that's how I behave.