Being Neighborly

Learning to adjust to different types of people is somewhat of an artform one must master throughout their lifetime. We find ways to get along with family members, classmates, and strangers. Even with this large variety of people, it can still be challenging to find ways to deal with certain types. Neighbors, in particular, can be either blessing or a curse. Ranging from being cordial, to controlling, to just all around creepy, they are among the few from which you cannot escape.

Without a doubt, cordial neighbors are the best neighbors. They are the type of people that you would feel safe living next to, and might ask to house sit while you’re away. They are very reliable, meaning you can go to them for anything. Let’s say you are missing a key ingredient to your famous key lime pie. What do you do? Head on over to your neighbor’s house. They are sure to help out without you having to ask them twice.

Controlling neighbors are by far the most annoying type. They are always trying to persuade you to do things their way, for that is the “only way”. Nothing is ever good enough for them. They continue to make rude comments towards your home, and lifestyle. For example, a woman living in the house next door to me would call to have us get our toys out of the front yard, claiming they “looked ugly”. Also, if one of my family’s dogs wandered over to her yard, she threatened to call the police. Neighbors like that are what make farm life seem that much more appealing.

The most uncomfortable neighbors to encounter are those of the creepy nature. The phrase “Mind your own business” means nothing to them. They are always showing up unexpectedly and uninvited. If you’ve ever gotten the feeling that you are being watched, or are trying to decide whether your neighbor is diagnosed with a case of the “creepies”, proceed to the window nearest their house. If there is a person staring back at you, call your realtor right away. These people are not the kind you would want to find yourself surrounded by, literally.

Being neighborly is seen as a simple task, one that should come naturally to most people. But when living in a typical American suburb, one finds that this is not the case. People have minds of their own, and are not as considerate to each others property as one might hope. Categorizing the types of neighbors you have may help cope with their strange tendencies, and help you to live a more pleasant lifestyle.