getting to know neighbors after moving

[janny108]

how long did it take for you to feel comfortable with your neighbors? I read somewhere it took someone 5 years. We've been here for 2 years and I know a few of them, but hardly see them.

 

[trentlogain2]

before i got saved i was a bad neighbour. i was probably hell to live around. i shot out a neighbour's car windshield as his family drove down the street. i pelleted out another neighbour's house windows. those are just a couple of the sinful things i did.

after i got born-again, i got convicted to go up to these people and not only tell them i was the man who did those things, but that i was a born-again Christian now and i would be willing to pay restitution for any damage i did. i felt like a sharing that, but to answer your question..i never really felt uncomfortable around them. at least not the unsaved ones. i was running in the same darkness as they were. maybe they weren't doing the type of stuff i was as far as sins go, but they were apart from the life and blessings of God just like me.

the funny thing is it was the Christian neighbours i felt uncomfortable around. i remember one time playing basketball in our yard with some friends and a pair of binoculars were taken out. i used them to look at this particular couple as they would go in and about their business. one day the wife saw me looking at their house with them and decided to bring out a lawn chair, she set it up right in the middle of their driveway, and sat down to watch us play. i was so offended. i didn't want this woman there. but it was like she said, "if you want to spy out on us, well here i am. take as many ganders as you want. i have nothing to hide". i can't help but to think people like that and many others that God orchestrated in my life as i was living in rebellion were put there maybe just for the purpose of praying for me.

 

[Chowboi]

Depends on how willing you are to "know" them. If everyday you try to avoid them, it might just take 5 years as you said. But with a loving and Christlike attitude, we can get to know them much sooner because of the love we have for them. Hopefully that helps and you can get to know your neighbours better.

Start praying for them!

 

[Andres88]

I think I have been here for around 6 years. I don't know many of my neighbors, except those who go to my parish. That has been the greatest way to connect.

 

[janny108]

we hardly see them come out and I'd feel weird going to their door ringing their bell.......

 

[SprayedPaint]

but get this. When I had new neighbors move IN, I was afraid of taking time away from the family that they could be spending together, getting settled. It's really up to you.

In fact, it's all up to you. What kind of relationship do you want?

One where you say hi when you see them going out to the mailbox? Or one where you got eachother's backs when something goes down in the hood?

 

[janny108]

no not really, rarely do I see anyone go to the mailbox

 

[Elliewaves]

Invite them to something at your house?- game night, get to know your neighbors night?.....take them something at Christmas? It doesn't have to be a big deal but if you want to know your neighbors and establish a relationship then maybe you should make the first move in to letting them know you are willing to be friendly with them.
I mean, if you make no effort to get to know them, then they probably feel the same way....you get what you give mostly....

 

[SprayedPaint]

the mailbox thang was a simple example :]