I think I am not the neighbor I want to have but on a deeper thought, I am the kind of neighbour I want. I say this because in the past neighborhoods I've lived, there was more communal experiences than my present neighborhood. I think the times have changed and now, people prefer to mind their business.
The neighbors I've had in the past made me see myself better as I got to know I'm not as introverted as I thought I was but my present neighbours are helping me build my introvert side more. It all depends on the kind of people you have in a neighborhood, each of them determine how you relate with them as a fellow neighbor.
But if there is one thing I've learned over time and from the Bible teachings, it's that every person that is next to me is my neighbour and I have an obligation to love them and show care whenever I get the opportunity to. Of course, there are the bad and good neighbours just as we could be a good or bad neighbour to our neighbours too.
Whenever I think of neighbourhood stories, my experience at my former neighborhood comes to mind because of how memorable living there was. Back then, it was a face-me-I-face-me neighborhood where every time one comes out of their house, they are bound to see two or more neighbors outside ready to greet or be greeted.
My family had a very good relationship with every neighbour especially the ones closest that dad could ask any of them for help when he is away and they will turn up without even thinking. My experience there taught me the importance of being in a close and good relationship with one's neighbour, they were there when they are needed.
Personally, I am the kind of person who loves to engage with my neighbors, I understood that from my experience living alone in a student area during my university days. I had to live in a 16 room neighbourhood, having over 20 neighbours to deal with everyday. My experience living among them was nothing short of an adventure.
We did a lot together especially sharing our meals and items when any of us was in lack. I have the habit of not asking unless it's really beyond me because I tend to find a way out myself before thinking of asking for help but I rarely hold back from giving help to any neighbour who came to me, they even nicknamed me "Mother of the lodge" because of my actions.
Living with neighbours teaches a lot about life but somehow the times have changed and we have most of our neighbours living in silence, there are hardly anyone to converse with in my present neighborhood. We greet ourselves whenever we see each other, smiles and other times, when there is a general compound issue.
In case of an emergency, I can't say for sure if my present neighbours will turn up but I know I will if they call upon me. So it's safe to say there's no much trust built now but I believe there will always come the opportunity to live a better neighbor to neighbor relationship than what it is now. Until then, I thrive to be a better neighbor.
Images used are AI generated.