Try This: Get to Know Your Neighbors

Long years before when people moved into a new home or a new apartment, these folks called neighbors would pop by with a pot of coffee and a fresh baked cake to share. You would get to know their names, if they had kids or animals and what gossip they could fill you in on. Nowadays this doesn't happen as much and it's sorta sad. I'm hoping to change your mind today on getting neighborly. Let' call on your neighbor even if you have lived in the same spot for years. 

Thought One: Bake a Cake. One from the box is fine. People like cake and it doesn't have to be super fancy. You can either deliver the cake in a non-returnable baking pan or to maybe get one back.... your own baking dish. Knock on the door or ring the bell and hand it over and say, "Enjoy!" 

Thought Two: Lend a Hand. If you see your neighbor struggling with a bag of groceries, offer help. If they are heading out of town, offer to keep an eye on the house. Get the mail, feed the dog or water their plants.  If they need to borrow something like a cup of sugar, be generous. If you help them, they will help you.

Thought Three: Set Boundaries. Resist the temptation to snoop over the hedge or lurk in the distance. Aim to be friendly not obnoxious. Respect their privacy and you can only hope they do the same.

Thought Four: Pipe Down. At most there is a yard or a thin wall that separates you from the people next door. Play your music at a reasonable decibel. Quiet your yappy dog. Run your vacuum during the day and don't get to carried away in the bedroom. If in doubt, ask yourself what you what you'd like to hear your neighbors doing. 

Thought Five: Keep it Clean.No one wants the neighbor who lets his grass grow as tall as the kids heads. Keep it reasonably manicured. You want your neighbors to enjoy living next to you, not cringe everytime they pass your way.

Thought Six: Call the Kids Home. How wonderful your kids have it when the neighbors have kids that yours can play with. Call them home for meals and make sure they realize they shouldn't eat or drink everything next door.