A man’s home is his castle, the old saying goes. Today, many of us take that statement to the extreme, treating our homes as fortified structures and secluding ourselves from those in neighboring “castles.”
Yet with loneliness rising, we’re missing out on a precious commodity when we ignore those who live closest to us. To help us fight this epidemic, etiquette instructor Bethany Friske offers some practical and easy ways to reach out and welcome our neighbors with charm.
Meet Your Neighbors Early …
Greeting new neighbors early on diminishes their fears and makes them more eager to meet other neighbors, Friske says. “Bring a plate of cookies, bring them a loaf of bread or cupcakes.” Less tangible gifts like your phone number, the offer to loan a cup of sugar, or helpful neighborhood information can also make them feel welcome.
Annie Holmquist
Author
Annie Holmquist is a cultural commentator hailing from America's heartland who loves classic books, architecture, music, and values. Her writings can be found at Annie’s Attic on Substack.
