Do I introduce myself to my new neighbors?

[Anonymous]

OP here. It's actually the future owners with the home inspector.

She's your typical attractive, put together woman that terrifies fat, awkward women like me.

[Anonymous]

Be the type of neighbor you'd like to have!

[Anonymous]

One set of next door neighbors brought us flowers and a card. The others did nothing, but seem nice and friendly nonetheless. We still have people stopping in the street to say hello, 6+ months later.

[Anonymous]

My mother was slightly paranoid (we could never speak in anything above a whisper when our windows were open) and friendly but aloof with neighbors. I honestly thought people only brought over cookies to new neighbors in Leave it to Beaver times.

As an adult I've always only rented and don't even know any of my neighbors - couldn't pick them out of a lineup. Once one knocked on my door to ask my DD to move her laundry so he could put in a load, and he was very nice about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do people honestly call their neighbours for help? I honestly find that bizzare.

Seriously? I find this reaction completely bizarre. Not for "hold my head while I deliver this baby"-type help, but certainly we have helped neighbors with shoveling, taking in packages, etc., and our kids know that in an emergency the neighbors on either side are prepared to help them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do people honestly call their neighbours for help? I honestly find that bizzare.

no usually we email our neighbors, but we have called.

[Anonymous]

We introduced ourselves when the neighbors moved in and we say hi when we run into each other or are both leaving/arriving at the same time. At Christmas the kids exchange Christmas cookies. We're not super close or anything, but it is very useful - if someone leaves on vacation the other neighbors can pick up their mail, watch the house or serve as a contact point if the alarm system goes off, etc. The favor is returned when someone else goes on vacation. We're not super involved with each other but we're familiar enough that we can ask for "neighborly" favors and chat about random homeowner concerns (pool maintenance, lawn care, etc.) every once in a while. It's great if you have family close by but not everyone does, and this is a very pleasant solution!

[Anonymous]

Absolutely introduce yourself the next time you happen to run into them. If they're friendly, you could take over a plate of baked goods.

I have an awesome neighborhood. The week we moved in, two different neighbors came over with cookies to welcome us. Others would stop to say hi if I was out doing yardwork when they were walking by. We have block parties and try to include everyone, even the shorter-term renters and people we don't see all the time.

I don't hang out with my neighbors much, but it is nice to be part of a community where people say hi when you're out walking around and you get to know where the potential babysitters are. Plus it's nice to know that if you went missing, someone would notice and maybe be compelled to do something.

[Anonymous]

Do you introduce yourselves to new renters? We get new ones every year next to us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you introduce yourselves to new renters? We get new ones every year next to us.

I think it's generally difficult to tell who is renting and who bought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you introduce yourselves to new renters? We get new ones every year next to us.

I think it's generally difficult to tell who is renting and who bought.

We've been here for 10 years. New ones every year, not that hard to figure out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, I would never introduce myself to a new neighbour nor eat anyone's home cooked food. I don't want gifts either. I prefer to be left alone and I definitely would not call on neighbours for help. I want cordial relations and nothing more.

Is this a real person expressing a real sentiment, or is it a joke???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes of course. You bring over a plate of brownies or cookies and introduce yourself. A card with your name and kids names and email/phone number is much appreciated too. You never know when they'll call you to let you know about a fire alarm going off in your house or a garage door that you left up.

I didn't know people still ate food from strangers.

People who don't have sticks up their asses do.

I love you, PP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It's actually the future owners with the home inspector.

She's your typical attractive, put together woman that terrifies fat, awkward women like me.

NP here. Look, if you are terrified of people, then they read that from you and that's why people don't reach out and try to be your friend. It takes a friend to make a friend.

God over and introduce yourself and be friendly. At the very least, you have practiced your social skills so you can be a fraction less awkward NEXT time. Do this every time a new neighbor moves in and you'll both have built your social skills way higher AND you'll have started a little community of neighbors who know you. GL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do people honestly call their neighbours for help? I honestly find that bizzare.

no usually we email our neighbors, but we have called.

My next door neighbors and I text each other for little favors pretty regularly. Or to hangout and have coffee/wine. It's great.