New neighbor etiquette is good to learn about when you are moving. If you’re all moved in, it’s time to meet the neighbors. If you’re waiting for the welcome wagon to ring your doorbell, you may be disappointed. The days of June Cleaver and fresh baked pies at our doorsteps have long been over. Aunt Bea isn’t going to show up with her home made supper rolls either. The point here is that you shouldn’t wait for folks to come to you or you may end up as the long forgotten neighbor that no one remembered. So what should you do?
While you may not feel like being the one to make the first move, it may benefit you and your family by introducing yourself to one of your neighbors. If you’re the shy type then perhaps you can spend time outside doing some yard work or gardening. If you see one of your neighbors, this will give you the opportunity to wave or say hello. Perhaps it will be the perfect time to start a conversation and make a new friend.
Borrow an egg or a cup of sugar. This is the oldest trick in the book, but it’s also a great excuse to meet your neighbor. You can also opt for bringing a gift like some home made chocolate chip cookies or some banana nut bread.
After the initial hellos have gotten underway then you can try to strike up a conversation. A simple “So, how long have you lived in the neighborhood?” will do. Chances are your new neighbor will begin to talk about the day they moved in and you may find yourself enjoying a cold glass of ice tea together before the day is over.
Sometimes meeting new neighbors isn’t an easy task. But unless you plan on moving again right away time is on your side. Eventually you will be one of them, greeting another new neighbor who is feeling just like you did the day you moved in!
Happy Moving!
