Living in Lagos for the past 23 years has taught me a lot about people. When I look at my relationship with my neighbours, both in the past and now, I can confidently say that it has been peaceful and drama free.
My neighbours likes to rear goats, dogs and chicken. The goat will roam freely and would not allow your little plants to rest, once they see anything green, they will destroy it. The dogs will come right to your door step to defecate, and the chickens would scatter everywhere, messing up the whole place.
My neighbours are friendly in their own way. We exchange greetings every time, good morning, good afternoon, they often sit together outside to discuss different matters. I honestly do not know what they are talking about, and I do not care to know, because everyone is entitled to their own opinions. My neighbours enjoy discussing others or even feel happy when something bad happens to someone else.
Whenever I returned from the market carrying bags, I noticed that my neighbours that are sitting outside will try to look through my bag to see what is inside. They have tried several times to draw me closer into their circle of friendship, I decide to remain neutral, I greet everyone, exchange a few jokes and go my way. You do not know anything about me, and I do not know anything about you, and I intend to keep it that way.
I have one special neighbour who lives on the next street. We worship at the same place, she's way older than me. Her advice has helped me a lot in my marriage, her good example, her assistance in my marriage are things I will never forget in a hurry. She became like a mother to me. She understands me and I understand her. During the years when I was still giving birth to my children, she would look after my children whenever I had to step out.
At some point, neighbours gossiped, saying she was slaving for me because I was younger and they do not understand the depth of our friendship. I treat her with love and respect just as I would for my own mother, even more. She cares for me and my children as if we are here. My children call her "Grandma," and that caused some jealousy among others. And till date our relationship remains strong.
I believe in maintaining my lane. I am not a troublesome person, and I am a very busy person, I do not like unnecessary visits or gossip. I focus on my home and make sure everything is in order to the best of my ability. I strongly believe that in life, not every neighbour must become a close friend. Some will remain greeting partners, while just few will become family.