As a kid growing up in the 70s, I vividly remember neighborhood BBQs, block parties, and sidewalk conversations between my parents and the neighbors. But as a parent of the new millennium, it seems like I hardly know my neighbors. Sure, we wave and say hi, but the friendship my parents had with their neighbors seems nothing like the relationship I have with mine.
I live in a larger city than I lived in growing up. Could it be that the “big city” simply isn’t as sociable, Sure. Could it be the I’m just not as friendly as my parents? (Do I have to answer that?) And could garage door openers have anything to do with it?
When I was growing up, to open the garage door, my parents had to put the car in park and get out of the car to open the garage door. As a result, they’d often just leave the car in the driveway, which meant they at least spent a little more time “out front” which gave them more opportunities to chat with the neighbors. By comparison, I get up in the morning, hit the garage door opener from within my car, pull out and close the garage door from within my car and drive away. The reverse happens when I return home–as I approach the house, I hit the garage door opener, wave at my neighbor, and disappear into my garage, letting the door close behind me with another press of the button.
Now I’m not trying to be a sociologist. Ultimately, I don’t know what factors are contributing to more isolated communities. But regardless of the contributing factors, I can think of one antidote hence a new LifeTango Challenge:
Get to know a friend, neighbor, or family better.
To add this goal to your own list, simply click on the following link and then click on “Adopt This Goal” in the upper right-hand corner.
Get_To_Know_A_Friend_Neighbor_Or_Family_Better
Pick someone in your neighborhood or community who you would like to get to know better and invite them over for dinner, to play games, to socialize–whatever you like. The key is: start or strengthen a friendship.
Brent