How to Make Friends with Neighbors

Most people have neighbors where they live, whether it is in a house, a townhouse, or an apartment. You want to be friends with your neighbors, not enemies. Here are some tips to make that happen.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• - Neighbors
• - Friendly personality

1. Get to know your neighbors. If you are the ones moving in and nobody has come to greet you, introduce yourself to your neighbors. Go up to your neighbor’s house and say hello. If you see someone with a moving truck moving in, introduce yourself and offer to help. Take them a home-treat, such as cookies or bread, welcoming them to the neighborhood.

2. Wish them Happy Holidays. Take a loaf of bread or a plate of cookies or brownies and wish them a Merry Christmas. You can make a little bag of candy to take to them and wish them a Happy Halloween.

3. A smile says a lot. If you see your neighbor out in their yard, don’t be afraid to smile and wave hello. A friendly neighbor makes for other happy neighbors.

4. Help out with yard work. If you see your neighbor working out in his or her yard, offer a helping hand. If you know of an older or handicapped neighbor, offer to mow his or her lawn.

5. If your neighbor asks for help, don’t hesitate to help him or her. For instance, if you have a neighbor who is a stay at home mom and she comes over to ask you to remove a fairly large spider, don’t hesitate to do it. Smile and say, “Sure.” Go over and help her.

6. Invite your neighbors to dinner or a barbecue. You can get to know them over a delicious meal. Don’t ask them to bring anything. If they offer, be gracious and accept it. You can also invite your neighbor over to your house if you are watching a football, baseball, or hockey game (or other sport you think they might be interested in).

7. Be considerate to your neighbors. Don’t play super loud music in the early morning or after nine o’clock at night. You don’t want to be the annoying neighbors who have no consideration for others in the neighborhood. Keep your arguments within the walls of your house. Don’t run outside yelling at one another, creating a huge scene. Nobody wants to know about your personal or family problems.

8. Let your children play together. Don’t discourage your children from playing with your neighbor’s children because of religion, race, or other petty things. Your children and your neighbor’s children will probably grow up together, so avoid creating enemies and make friends instead.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a welcome package for new neighbors. You can include baked goodies and sparkling cider or wine. Everyone loves getting gifts, especially if they are new to the neighborhood and don’t know anyone in the area.
• Be respectful of the time of day. Don’t take over a welcome package at ten o’clock at night. Don’t play loud music in the early morning or late at night. Be considerate of your neighbor.