Five Ways to be a Good Neighbor
Good neighbors are a gift. What better day to recognize them than National Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 28. This nationally recognized holiday, established in 1978, is a day to be thankful for the nice neighbors in your life and to consider some worthwhile ways to be a good neighbor yourself! From greeting your neighbor with a smile and a wave at the mailbox to lending a helping hand to a neighbor who could use it, the ways to be neighborly are endless. Want to be a better neighbor? The Woodlands Hills has five ideas to help get you started.
1. Give a new neighbor something from the heart.
As you already know, moving can be an exciting, but stressful time. Welcoming a new neighbor with a little something special is the perfect way to show you care. Your gift doesn’t need to be extravagant. Simple flowers or a potted plant can symbolize your new neighbor setting down roots in the community. A gift certificate to a great nearby restaurant that delivers (pizza, anyone?) will come in handy when your neighbor hasn’t yet unpacked the pots and pans. And, while the way to a neighbor’s heart may be through the stomach, you don’t need to be a baker extraordinaire. Try your easiest recipe or pick up something sweet from the area’s best bakery. Get your kids involved, too; your 5-year-old’s artwork would certainly brighten a neighbor’s day.
2. Create and share a good go-to neighborhood directory.
New and old neighbors alike will be forever grateful for this one – a neighborhood directory. Compile a list of your neighbors’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails (only after getting permission from each, of course!). Then, share the list with all of your neighbors. Another great list to have on hand is one of recommended area service providers. From finding a good plumber to a fun babysitter, word of mouth is often the best way to go, so a reference list of yours and your neighbors’ recommendations can go a long way toward helping others.
3. Roll up your sleeves – and your neighbor’s garbage can.
With so many ways to be a helpful neighbor, where does one begin? Let’s start with garbage! Consider lending a hand and bringing a neighbor’s empty trash can up from the curb. When you know the family next door is going out of town, offer to watch the house. Water the yard. Feed the pet hamster. From raking leaves for a neighbor who can’t to carrying in a neighbor’s groceries from the car, the ways to roll up your sleeves, lend a hand, and be a good neighbor are endless.
4. Plan a block party or neighborhood get-together.
One of the best ways to meet people on your street is by having a block party. A big blowout—complete with a bounce house, face painting and animal balloons—is sure to be a hit; however, even a simple event that gathers the neighbors together will do the trick. For example, invite the neighbors to bring lawn chairs and join the group in the driveway. Flip some burgers and ask anyone interested to bring a side dish. Another great neighborly thought: Start a neighborhood walking group or a monthly coffee or happy hour get-together.
5. Wave, smile, drive slowly. Repeat.
Life gets so busy that we often find ourselves moving through our days on autopilot. We do our best to get our kids and ourselves out the door for school and work each morning and back again for homework and dinner each evening. These busy schedules certainly don’t leave much time to stop and smell the roses – let alone time to connect with neighbors. But, there are easy ways to make a neighbor’s day. Simple gestures, like waving from the car, smiling as you walk by, and driving safely through the neighborhood, can really make a difference.
Being a good neighbor doesn’t take a lot of practice; it just takes a lot of heart. When you open your heart to be at its neighborly best, there’s no stopping the good you can do for others. And, there’s no doubt your neighbors will appreciate you for it.
Honor your good neighbor for National Good Neighbor Day by nominating him or her for the chance win a fabulous getaway at The Woodlands Resort. Plus, you’ll also be entered to win a gift card when you nominate a neighbor. To learn more about how you can nominate a good neighbor, visit thewoodlandshills.com/neighborday.
