How well do you really know your neighbor?
These days, people are barely able to identify their neighbor by sight, talk less of knowing basic things like their names. We live in the same compound as other human beings, and yet we might have no clue as to what their family name is.
This reminds me of a video I came across on IG by Eric Guagua. He highlighted the importance of some of the values that have begun to slowly fade away. He talked about why it is tantamount to relate with your neighbors. We don’t have to be besties, but form a cordial bond with them.
It goes beyond politeness; I’m talking safety, trust, and overall well-being.
I was discussing with my mom a few days ago. Apparently one of my cousins that lived in the UK wanted to come back to Nigeria, unprovoked. I then asked her why he would want to come back. And she told me that they weren’t as open over there as we are over here.
That everyone minded their business and didn’t care to even do the complementary greeting, much less form a community. She said that it could get really lonely over there. It’s no wonder my aunty always wanted to reach out to us and complained when we didn’t check in on her. Matter of fact, let me shoot her a quick text.
In as much as this is the state of things abroad, I think that our society is slowly shifting in that direction too. Back in my day—which is like only a decade and a half ago—we kids used to love going outside to play with our mates.
We would play games in the sand, take turns using the swing, play football, ride bicycles, and so on. This not only increased the bond between us, but it also gave our parents a break from constantly caring for us. Life was simpler and happier.
We have since moved out of that neighborhood, but I’m glad to say that things are still the same way in my new neighborhood. Granted, I’ve grown and can’t necessarily play like a kid anymore. But the kids over here still come out to play, which is great.
And the parents also have bonds with one another.
There are countless reasons why maintaining a cordial relationship with our neighbors is crucial. For starters, it helps to combat the loneliness epidemic and depression. Imagine living alone and avoiding your neighbors.
We might like to think that we don’t need human connection, but the truth is we all do. We weren’t made to live in isolation.
Another reason is safety and security. In times of emergencies, it’s always convenient to have that one neighbor that works remotely stay nearby to help out. It also helps if we have kids to have neighbors help watch over them—neighbors, of course.
Here are some ways to help build that trust and relationship with your floormate.
Start small – Don’t run away when you see them coming in the distance, instead, shoot them a quick greeting accompanied with a smile and pass by them. Welcome the occasional small talk, you never know what information you might find helpful.
Act of Kindness- If your neighbor id ever in need of something, and it is something you could do effortlessly for them, then kindly help out. It could as small as helping put carry groceries from their car, or helping to sooth a crying baby. But always lending a hand when you can.
Remember to respect boundaries while showing friendliness. Not everyone is going to let you hold their baby, and that is completely okay. You could also get curious and participate in neighborhood activities. And use your discernment, not everyone wants to be a friendly neighbor.
First and last images are mine, second was generated using AI
