A. Be a good listener. B. Care about the details.
C. Strike up a conversation. D. Make time for friendships.
E. Reach out to the newcomers. F. Avoid causing inconveniences
Develop Better Relationships with Neighbors
Good neighbors are a lot like electricity or running water：we don't know how much we depend on them until we don't have them. They make our lives more pleasant and give us a sense of who we wrte, both as an individual and as a member of the community. Here is how to develop your relationships with these very important people in your life.
Often neighbors don't even know each other's names. But it's okay to be the one to break the ice , even if you've lived next door for years.Most neighbors enjoy making small talk with the folks on the other side of the fence. So as you see them at work in their yards, smile, wave, and say hello. Ask how their kids are (whether they're babies or in college), whether they could use an extra cucumber from your garden, or what they think of the price at the local supermarket.
These days, the old Welcome Wagon is a thing of the past. But your new neighbors may be feeling lonely and unsure, especially if they're far from home, and might appreciate a friendly face bearing fresh-baked chocolate cakes. If they have kids, tell them where the children in the neighborhood live. Recommend the best places to eat and sleep. Invite them over for coffee or tea when they get settled, give them your number, and point to your house as you say good-bye.
Return anything that you borrow from a neighbor, such as tools, in good repair and as soon as you've finished with them. Replace anything that belongs to your neighbor that you, your children, or your pets break or soil. Make sure that your car is not blocking their doorway. Such random acts of consideration will have your neighbors talking—and the talk will be good.
If you value a friendship with your neighbors, spend time with them. What better way to meet your neighbors than to invite them to an informal barbecue, pool party, or holiday open house? Better yet, you might even consider throwing a get-together in their honor. Deliver the invitations in person to everyone who lives on your street and chat with each for five minutes before moving on to the next house. This way, you will get an idea of what your neighbors are like so that you can plan for appropriate food and music.
In a good relationship, it's really the little things that count. Help to bring in the mail for the elderly neighbor when there is a heavy rain. When your neighbor gorgets to take in his rubbish cans, roll them back into his yard. If you're truly concerned, you'll know when your neighbor needs some cheering up—a bunch of flowers or a helping hand when it's needed. All it takes to develop your relationship with neighbors is the respect for their feelings.
