Make Every Day Neighbour Day
With technology as ubiquitous as it is, it has never been easier to stay in touch with friends and family, no matter how far apart they are spread. Indeed, a little time on Facebook can catch you up on the adventures of 50 or more acquaintances in a matter of minutes, and lets you share pictures and commentary on your life’s highlights just as easily. Of course, there’s still a great deal of value in face-to-face interaction, which requires a whole different skill set than does navigating the online world. One area where we all could probably put this into practice a little more is in our relations with our neighbours.
Despite shrinking lot sizes forcing suburban homeowners together, most of us make only passing acknowledgement of our neighbours; sure, we’ll say hi if we’re both on our decks at the same time, but usually that’s as far as the relationship goes.
Nothing wrong with that, and, indeed, it’s human nature for most of us to want to stick to our own business. However, fostering a healthy relationship with those living on either side of us can have a multitude of benefits. We might strike up a long-lasting friendship after discovering a neighbour with similar interests, or our kids might more often have playmates on short notice. A familiar neighbour will watch out for your house when you’re on vacation, maybe even cutting the lawn and watering your flowers. They might be able to watch your children in the event of an emergency. If nothing else, a neighbour is someone you can chat with on the front porch over a six-pack.
But how do you develop such a neighbourly relationship? If you’re not a naturally extroverted people person, it’s going to take some effort, but the benefits can be worth it. A good day to start would be Saturday, June 18 – officially decreed as Neighbour Day by the City of Calgary. Began in 2014 to celebrate Calgary’s unprecedented community spirit after the floods touched so many communities, Neighbour Day has become an annual tradition. The City lists some ideas for celebrating Neighbour Day, including block parties and neighbourhood clean-ups, right here. They even waive permit fees for hosting those block parties.
But really, any day can be Neighbour Day with just a bit of effort. If you’re grilling up some burgers on a sunny afternoon, and you notice a neighbour is home, why not invite them over for an easy supper on the deck? If you have a big ladder, offer to help the guy across the street who’s struggling with his Christmas lights. Put the sprinkler on the front lawn and have your girls go knock on the door of the neighbour with kids around the same age. Bake some cookies and deliver them to the family who just moved in last week. These are all small, easy gestures that can go a long way to developing lasting bonds that benefit everyone. Go ahead, be a good neighbour.
Looking to move somewhere you can practice these skills? Contact me today!
Tags: Calgary Neighbour Day, calgary neighbourhood, Good neighbours, Neighbour day
