What Ever Happened to Love Thy Neighbor?

In today's fast paced, self centered world, people seem to have forgotten about their neighbors. In Mayberry, Aunt Bee was always available to share a cup of coffee, a word of advice or an act of kindness without expecting anything in return.

Are you a good neighbor? Do you even know your neighbor? In some areas of the country "love thy neighbor" still exists. People help one another because it is the right thing to do. In other areas it is gone, gone, gone. Maybe we are just afraid to get involved in the lives of others around us. What would happen if we took steps to change that? What would happen if we went back to "love thy neighbor"?

Here are several simple ways to make you a better neighbor.

Be more visible and friendly. If you are one of those people who dashes from your car to your home without even looking about, try slowing it down and looking around. If you happen to see a neighbor, stop and wave hello. You don't have to go strike up a conversation and become best friends. Just put a smile on your face and wave. Over time you might want to introduce yourself and get to know the person a little bit better.

When it is obvious that your neighbor is not at home, since there is a buildup of newspapers on the lawn, why not pick up the papers and placed them in a discrete place by the neighbor's door. You will improve the look of the neighborhood and will discourage nefarious souls from targeting the dwelling next door, thus keeping yourself a bit safer in the process.

Is there an older person on your block? Does he have a hard time getting his paper in the morning? You are out and about anyway. Pick up the neighbor's paper and put it on his doorstep. It will mean a lot to him and will cost you nothing but a couple extra steps. Maybe there is a chore which needs to be done that you could do for him. Or if you are so incline, spend a little time with the neighbor. Being older and alone can often make for very long days. Who knows you just might learn something very interesting.

Perhaps you live in a resort location where some of the homeowners are only weekenders. When the trash man finishes his rounds, put your neighbor's trash cans back by their house. The neighborhood will appreciate it and you won't have to look at the cans for an entire week.

If you notice a leaky sprinkler head, let your neighbor know. A simple note left at the door will do the trick and you will help conserve our precious resources to boot.

Here is one which is a little bit harder to do. What if your neighbor does something which annoys you? Perhaps they have a dog that barks all day while they are at work. Or maybe their teenage child plays her music so loud in her car that you can hear it in your home. Maybe they are not aware of the issue. If you are on a speaking basis, then make a request that something be done. Explain what the issue does to your peace of mind. Be polite and accept what the neighbor says without arguing (remember you have to live next door). Most people will respond positively to the request and will in fact have no idea that they have been annoying you.

If you are not on a speaking basis with the neighbor, write out a simple non-threatening request to please fix the issue and leave it on their door. Make sure you include your name and indicate which home is yours. It is not fair to the neighbor to complain and then hide behind anonymity. Also, this will keep you from being a jerk, since the neighbor will know who left the note.

For those neighbors with whom you have a speaking relationship, volunteer to watch their home while they are away. Don't wait to be asked, step up and help out. Surprise them by mowing their lawn before they return.

It doesn't take much to be a good neighbor. Follow the suggestions above. And, let's see if we can find our way back to a place where we all "love thy neighbor".