How to be a good neighbor is not as easy as one might first think.  Some neighbors just are not neighborly.  Others will knock themselves out to welcome you to the neighborhood.  You need to learn how to be a good neighbor as well as what it takes for you to have a good neighbor.  

Family life is not limited to your own home.  Neighborhoods are a part of your family life.  As you interact with your neighbors your family members learn the dos and don’ts of being a good neighbor.

A good neighbor is thoughtful even if it is nothing more than not burning trash or rescheduling lawn mowing while a neighbor has visitors. If your neighbor is in need, you respond in helpful ways.  If you are in need they also come to your rescue.  When a neighborhood crisis occurs the whole neighborhood pulls together to address and solve the problem.  

Problems come in various forms.  Sometimes they are health issues, crime related occurrences, disaster events or personality conflicts.  No matter the problem or its size, it is important for neighbors to be respectful, forgiving and effectively demonstrating a spirit of reconciliation.  The size of the problem will determine the measure needed to mend a fence, heal a relationship or the amount of help required.

If you desire to have and be a good neighbor be ready to step in when there is a need.  Keep your eyes and ears open without being nosy or a busy body.  Show genuine compassion with understanding and care.  Be a friend and you will have friends and a neighborhood to be proud to be a part of.

I would love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment.