Do you know your neighbors?
It bothers me that I have no idea who lives around my apartment. It also seems that this is very common around here. I am an immigrant and grew up where neighbors knew each other and were involved. It had its benefits. Its was like collectively the society looked out for each other. People socialized. In any emergency, you can easily rely on people around and needless to say better collective eyes on shady people wanting to do nasty things. I live in a condo and was wondering what others think about it? Anyone broke the ice and put in the effort to know tge neighbors?
Unfortunately social isolation is becoming a big problem in the USA. Technology is a big driver of this, people would rather be on their phones than interact.
I do tell that to them.
It's time to install those safety cams and alarms and go to bed!
Need not be one or other. What stopped ppl from knowing their neighbors?
Change is inevitable. Technology changes the way we live everyday. For example, We can't ask the world to go back in time and not use smartphones. Look on the brighter note, you are talking to a bigger audience than your neighbors here!
All the neighbors know my name...
I grew up in the suburbs. Of the nearest 10 houses: Knew by name: 5 Would recognize elsewhere: 2 Couldn’t recognize them in a nearby store: 3 I moved into the Westside if LA in an apartment. Of the nearest 24 units: Knew by name: 0 Could recognize: 2 No idea: 22
That’s my point. In a bid to build footprint in digital world, we are paying the price in real world. And this will have consequences. Weakened communities, increased social isolation etc etc.
OP - be the change you want to see. Go and introduce yourself to your neighbors. Hand them a flyer for a tea gathering at your place. They'd love it and pass it forward. Saying this from experience.
Thats a good idea. Thanks. I have thought about dropping by to say hi but held back as I do not want to come across as some desperate weirdo.
OP, which country are you from, if you don't mind my asking.
Do not see how that is relevant.
People move more often now. So not enough time passes to get to know your neighbors.
You’re lucky, my neighbor is an ass, I wish I never knew him
You're going to have to be the one to corral people. If there are neighborhood kids around the same age, usually they end up binding people together
Like get to know them on Nextdoor?
Nope, old fashioned way. In person.