How to Be a Good Neighbor

What does it take to be a good neighbor? Over the years I have had all kinds of neighbors, ones that were enjoyable and others that were to be avoided at all costs. One of the most important things in being a good neighbor is to respect the persons privacy. When someone new moves into the neighborhood it is a good idea to watch them to see how friendly you should be. If you go rushing over as soon as they move in they may think you are going to be one of those neighbors that come over at all times of the day, not respecting their privacy and taking up their hard earned time at home.

It is a good idea to always be cordial and friendly to everyone in the neighborhood. This can not only put you on good terms with them, but will also be a form of protection for your family and home. If you wave as they drive by or offer a friendly hello while they are out in their yard this shows that you respect them and their privacy. If you are cordial to them they are much more likely to watch out for any wrong doings going on around your home while you are out and let you know if anything happens. This especially goes for the teenagers in the area, if you keep on good terms with them they will more than likely be some of the best home guards around. They are usually out and about more and see everything that goes on in a neighborhood. Teenagers tend to be vindictive though and if you are one of those people that chase them away, yell obscenities or threaten them, they will keep that in mind and get back at you in some way if they can. They usually have a lot of friends that would love to help them even the score with someone who doesn't treat them the way the feel they need to be treated. So, if you are nice to them, they will appreciate it and will tell their friends that you are "ok". You will then have all of them watching out for your place.

Another way of being a good neighbor is to be helpful in times of need. If you see that they are in need of a helping hand doing something or in times of disaster, it is good to offer your help. It was amazing how our neighborhood banded together when the hurricanes hit. Even though you had never really talked to the people down the street, only been cordial in passing, they were willing to take the time to help a neighbor in need out.

In conclusion, if you respect a persons privacy, treat them cordially and be helpful when you see they are in need, you will be a great neighbor and anyone would be happy to have you next door!