Are you a good neighbor?
Good neighbors respect others’ property and privacy and exercise good manners around the neighborhood.
My good friend and neighbor, Veronice, has all the attributes of a model neighbor. She is highly regarded by our neighbors because she consciously exhibits proper and neighborly behaviors.
Learn and live – By emulating some of the actions and practices of my friend, you can help create a friendly environment in your neighborhood.
When I first moved into the neighborhood, Veronice would always smile and wave whenever she saw me. The friendly greetings later turned into brief conversations and now we are inseparable sister-friends.
Welcome to the neighborhood
Veronice welcomes newcomers with small gifts. Early on, my family was invited to her home to enjoy desserts. She and her husband often invite neighbors to their parties, barbeques and other social events.
If a neighbor gets sick, becomes hospitalized or is in mourning, Veronice sends get well cards, flowers and other niceties to cheer them.
My good neighbor makes a special effort to keep the common areas of the neighborhood clean. She and her younger son regularly clean and bag loose trash. The city has even given her son special outerwear and equipment to assist with his clean-up efforts.
Veronice’s yard is always well-manicured. Immediately following the weekly trash pick-up, her bins are properly stored away.
Ali, Veronice’s family dog, is never allowed to roam the neighborhood freely. He is always leashed when walked and not allowed to leave his “markings” in others’ yards.
RELATED: Environmental Etiquette
Veronice is very considerate of her surrounding neighbors. She has taught her teenage son to keep noise levels down. You will never hear loud music blaring from their house, garage or car stereos.
My model neighbor is not the president of our neighborhood watch group, but she is cognizant of her surroundings and takes heed of any “out of the ordinary” happenings on our street. On occasion, she has questioned and reported strangers, abandoned cars, etc.
Neighborhood etiquette is not just for people living in houses, but also apartments, condominiums and even dorm rooms. It does not take much to be a good neighbor. Just treat others the way you would like to be treated. Extend neighborly kindness and you will be doing your part to make your community a better place to live.
