Maybe you, like many in your neighborhood, keep mostly to yourself and your current friends are people you have met elsewhere. You are friendly. You smile and wave as they drive past. They do the same. But you don’t know most of them well. You may not even know their names.
It would be one thing if you just moved in last month (“Hey, we’re new….”). But you moved in a long time ago (“Hey, we’ve lived across from you for three years…”).
How do you go from suburban hermit to a neighbor who knows and cares for the people on your block?
Here are some steps to take:
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Realize your neighbors probably feel the same way, “Why have I not gotten to know the people on my street better?” They probably fall prey to cocooning too. You are tired. You drive into the garage after work then lower the door (turn off the engine first!). And you never go out except maybe to check the mail. At the same time you, and probably they, think it would be nice to know the neighbors better.
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Ask people you know to introduce you to others. If you’ve met one person on your street and have a rapport, ask them to introduce you to those they know.
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Use the NextDoor App and chime in. Helpful comments to questions or even posting your own needs can be a start. You can also use NextDoor to help organize a block party for kids or other.
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Take walks when the weather is good. If you meet people and get into a good conversation for the first time, just be honest about how you’re glad to be to know them now. They probably are thinking the same thing.
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Borrow something. That’s right. Rather than “buy your own everything” consider asking if you may borrow something. Having a need and going to a neighbor is actually a good way to help them feel like you value them personally. Just make sure you return it promptly and better than when you borrowed it. Offer to let them borrow your things too.
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Decorate at the holidays. Even if it is simple, being out while others are doing the same is a great way to get started. Go over and compliment them, offer to help if appropriate. This is a great conversation starter about past holidays. And they may fill you in on neighborhood history of who used to do what.
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Intentionally do some of your yard work while your neighbors are doing theirs. Take time to comment on how nice things are looking.
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If neighbors are gathering and talking on the street join them. It happens sometimes. The weather turns beautiful finally. Everyone wants to get out. It all aligns and the street that is usually empty now has a casual gathering. If you are “chicken” put the dog on a leash as your “prop” or suddenly need to check the mail. (Hint, do not put the cat on a leash.)
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Organize a front yard block party or just grill out/smores night when the weather is nice. Move your grill to the front. Have everyone bring something. Keep is small and to your immediate block so it is not a “HOA” event.