A friend of mine just moved into a new house and accidentally got locked out the other day. She called her husband right away, but he was in a meeting and, with the drive home, it would be close to two hours before he would be home to let her in. She was reluctant to call a locksmith, but also had a car full of groceries that would no doubt start to go bad soon.
Luckily, one of her new neighbors came over and saw that she was distressed. The woman kindly offered to let her hang out next door while she waited for her husband. This way, she could charge her mobile phone, have a cup of coffee, and even put her groceries in the fridge until help arrived. My friend was floored by the hospitality, and was quick to send over a bottle of wine the next day.
Think about where you live. Do you know your neighbors? Would you expect any of them to step in if you needed help? Would you offer help if they got locked out, or even needed someone to keep an eye on the mail while they went away on vacation?
It’s not too late to forge a bond. Perhaps you can invite them over for a barbecue, or strike up a conversation while they tend to their gardening. Ask about their plants, or any suggestions they might have about improving the community. Granted, some folks would prefer to be left alone, but there’s no harm in making a friendly gesture.