Good neighbours are usually unappreciated, but that doesn’t mean that they are unnoticed. They are usually just taken for granted. Some things that our neighbours appreciate are a clean exterior, quiet music, no loud or late parties and driving within speed limit especially if there are children in the neighbourhood. Being helpful is the biggest thing that neighbours appreciate.
On the other hand loud music, blaring T.V. sets, keeping odd hours, driving too fast and leaving garbage on the road and letting your dog make their lawn dirty are not appreciated by anyone in the neighbourhood.
You can start by being a good neighbour yourself. Be friendly and smile and wave at your other neighbours. Start a conversation and enquire about their wellbeing. When new neighbours move in, offer to help. Be sure to introduce yourselves to them and tell them where the good places for eating and shopping are. Make them feel welcome.
If your neighbour is blessed with a baby, offer to lend a hand. Celebrate festivals together and greet them on special occasions. Maintain the area around your home so that it is neat and attractive. Be conscientious about noises that disturb your neighbours such as vacuum cleaners, music, loud talk and barking dogs. Return anything that you borrow from your neighbour as soon as possible. Express your gratitude when you do so, replace anything that belongs to your neighbour that you, your children or your pets break or soil.
Respect your neighbour’s privacy and do not pry in their affairs. Park your car outside your own house. Invite them over a cup of coffee to discuss and share problems or good news. Try having a get together of all the neighbours at least once a year.
It is not too hard to be a good neighbour. After all don’t you want your neighbours to be good neighbours?
