We don't fit in with our neighbors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine not wanting to socialize with your neighbors. These are the people who you share boundaries and common areas. These are the people who are part of your community.

I love socializing with my neighbors and am disappointed when some of them don't seem to want to be involved. But, that's their decision. But, if nothing else, I have found talking with neighbors an excellent way to learn about what is going on with the school, in the neighborhood, in the county, etc. I've not found much gossiping going on (though there is some and that happens everywhere) and everyone is pretty nice. We have some that we hand out with on a more regular basis b/c we have kids the same age, similar interests, etc. I love it.

Moonbeam. Are you aware that some people march to a different drummer?

[Anonymous]

OP, are you in Silver Spring?

Just asking b/c just this morning I was thinking about how I am (somehow) actually part of the "in crowd" on my particular street and there are SO MANY other nice people within a block that I should really make an effort to include, and yet it seems there just isn't enough time in the day to reach out.

I see a familiar face, but someone I don't know super-well, drive by and wave and I think "I should call them for a weekend playdate" and then I don't. No other reason other than lack of time. Honest. So I just fall back on what's easier (the phone number of neighbors I know by heart etc, the ones directly across the street).

Thanks for this post. I LOVE that my neighborhood is a friendly one and I will make more of an effort to be inclusive b/c I imagine that (even if OP isn't my neighbor) there are others who want to feel included.

[Anonymous]

I could have written this post! FWIW I live in NW/Chevy Chase and my neighbors do quite a bit of socializing, but my DH and I are sort of always on the outskirts. Part of the reason is that we're a bit shy and most run-ins have been at a time when the baby is crying hysterically or the dog needs to poop and I'd hate for him to do it while I'm standing in the neighbor's yard talking, etc. I'd love to have a better relationship with my neighbors, but I feel awkward trying to initiate anything. I'm actually hoping once our kids are a little older maybe they'll become friends and then I'll become better friends with them by default.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I disagree that OP's feelings are "high school". Nobody likes to feel excluded and we all have our insecurities and vulnerabilities. On the other hand, PP cruelly mocking OP's hurt feelings is about as "high school" as it gets.
Sheesh.

Exactly. Pot calling the kettle.

[Anonymous]

I think everybody feels this way. I think everybody always feels that everybody is having lots of fun and friends except themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think everybody feels this way. I think everybody always feels that everybody is having lots of fun and friends except themselves.

Great post!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think everybody feels this way. I think everybody always feels that everybody is having lots of fun and friends except themselves.

Great post!

Agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think everybody feels this way. I think everybody always feels that everybody is having lots of fun and friends except themselves.

Great post!

Agree!

I agree, too! Reach out to this group or others like your self who are not wrapped up in this group.

[Anonymous]

moved here several years ago from previously living in upper middle class suburbs of NYC, Boston. I find it VERY hard to get connected here. In our neighborhood, kids go to 8+ different schools - Catholic, Jewish, public, French School, German School, etc. Hard for the kids to connect because of that, and the neighbors are always at work. Unlike where I lived before, NO ONE volunteers at school - PTA is always desperate for help. It's very lonely. I have worked hard to make some connections, but there are a lot of workaholics and social climbers who aren't interested in socializing with people who can't help them move up the power chain.