How to get along with your neighbors

How well do you know the folks next door? If your acquaintance is limited to a nod and a wave, you may want to think about building a better relationship for getting on better footing.

Neighbors play an important role in our lives. Their lifestyle, friends, and social habits can have a strong impact on our lives. It is a good idea to get to know the people next door or across the street to develop an interlocking community of support and security. You never know when a neighbor will spot a burglar creeping around your house or alert you to a creeping mildew that is affecting neighborhood roses. Or you may want to leave an extra key at their house in case someone in your family gets locked out.

There are plenty of reasons to work on a positive relationship with your neighbors. Here's how:

1. Go over and introduce yourselves. Proper greetings can put everyone on a first-name basis and pave the way for more meaningful future encounters. Don't stay too long, though, or you'll wear out your welcome!

2. Lend a helping hand. If your neighbor is raking leaves, chopping wood, or building a deck, offer a few hours of assistance. There's no better way to build community. Besides, you never know when the favor might be returned.

3. Offer support. If you hear that someone close by is ill, has had an accident, or is laid off from work, take over a hot meal or a fresh dessert. Your thoughtfulness will add a special touch during a difficult time.

4. Meet a need. When you hear of a special need that you can meet, do it, such as sitting with a sick child while your neighbor goes to work or taking an elderly parent to a doctor's appointment when their car won't start. That's what the story of the Good Samaritan is all about.

5. Share information. Alert your neighbor to news of new developments that may impact everyone in your area, such as new sewer lines, sidewalks, housing developments, or weather threats. Keeping everyone in the loop ensures that you will learn of impending events as well.

6. Exchange holiday cards, gifts, or traditions. Invite your neighbors over for cocoa and carols in December or an Easter egg hunt in spring. A backyard barbecue can be a great way to share food and fun. Don't forget about graduations, weddings, and baby showers. If they've watched your kids grow up or been aware of your family events, they may want to share these special occasions.

7. Plan a block party or yard sale. Invite everyone on the block to participate. Planning and carrying out the activity helps everyone to get acquainted and create a newfound sense of community.

Even if your neighbors (or their dog) annoy you at times, grin and bear it. They are like family in many ways since you'll have to live with them, or near them, for a long time. Appreciate their strengths and overlook weaknesses, and everyone will get along just fine.