Love thy Neighbor

Everyone knows the sitcoms about friends who practically live together. Seinfeld, Friends, and countless other shows portray these friendships that, for almost all of human history, have been so common. Neighbors who become best of friends.

Nowadays that has become such a rarity, how often do you hear someone talk about their neighbor as a close friend? Say what you will about the reasons why, but it's hard when what was once an epicenter for community growth and responsibility is now just some stranger you happen to live next to. How many people have seen the inside of their neighbors house, knows the intimate details of their life? I've gotten quite accustomed to going on walks around my neighborhood when I have the time and while yes occasionally my neighbors are out as well, we don't exchange anything more than a glace. Recently I've gotten into the habit of greeting them. Greeting strangers on the sidewalk is a task that was surprisingly difficult to get into. My rule for myself is anyone I make eye contact with I have to greet. It's a good rule, I enjoy the uncertainty of it. But for a lot of people that can be a huge push, such a small act can be a seemingly horrifying thing to force yourself to do. How can we get back to trusting our neighbors, building our communities to be stronger?

I recently became very close friends with some lovely people who turned out to be my neighbors, completely by accident! We were introduced to each other at a queer event and when it came time to leave, the realization that we lived just a street apart was so exciting! Since then we see each other nearly every day, it's as life should be. That beauty is out there, waiting for you. You just have to search for it, reach out and take hold!

Close friends just around the corner are good to have, but you can't find them without putting yourself out there. Go talk to your neighbors!!!!