We’ve probably all heard that we should “love thy neighbor, yet however much this may come up, not necessarily every one of us gets along with our neighbors—let alone even knows them. For many people, modern life moves quickly, and people are so busy coming and going that they hardly take the time to look up and get to know who’s living next to them. However, what you don’t realize is that making friends with your neighbors can bring many benefits to your life. Here are some reasons why you should say hello to your neighbors, and make a connection.

Increased Safety

Although we can depend on the police for many things, we can’t depend on them for everything. Keeping your neighborhood safe is a collective community effort, which is why you and your neighbors should come together to support any suspicious activity amongst yourselves. 

When you have a good relationship with your neighbors, the more likely they are to look out for your property and bring any suspicious activity to your attention. You return the favor, and everyone on your block knows you have each other’s back. You may even go as far as organizing a neighborhood watch program, which can be particularly important if you live in an area with high crime.

Increased Sense of Belonging

One thing statistics show us is that even countries that are known for extreme poverty, are often some of the happiest people on the planet. A big reason for this is their strong sense of community. They have a sense of belonging and affection for people who live around them.  

Whether you need to ask someone to watch your kids for an hour or borrow a cup of sugar because you have none left, having a good relationship with your neighbors gives you a certain reassurance in life. It’s like an extended family that you know will be there for you for every little thing.  In a world with so much crime and hatred, it can be incredibly therapeutic knowing that you have neighbors who care.

Social Interaction

One of the biggest complaints that people have about modern life is that they don’t have enough time for social interactions. With extremely busy schedules, between the kids’ activities, and full-time jobs, it can be difficult to find time to pencil and social time.  However, when your social circle is outside of your house, it’s much easier to organize events. You don’t have to worry about driving anywhere or worrying about parking. Throwing a neighborhood block party or BBQ can be great fun!

So, the next time you see your neighbor taking out their trash, take a minute to say hello and ask them a little bit about themselves. You may just find that it was the best small talk you ever made.

Anna Jones
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