In this day and age, we’re busier than ever. We work full time jobs, juggle transporting kids to school and activities, and have meetings to attend. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, that we forget to stop and interact with the people around us. Establishing true connection with our neighbors seems to be a lost art… it seems as though now the majority of people don’t have any kind of relationships with their neighbors, and some might not even know their names!
However, having a sense of community within your neighborhood is known to bring on a whole list of positives. Having a sense of belonging and interacting with others can give you an overall boost in well being- both physically and mentally. If you’re aching to get plugged in to your community, keep reading! By following a few of these tips, you’ll begin building relationships in no time.
Introduce yourself! The easiest way to meet new people is by taking measures into your own hands. Whether you happen upon your next door neighbor when they’re out checking the mail, or run into a family while out on a walk, take the time to introduce yourself. Even if you’ve lived in your home for awhile, simply say something along the lines of, “Hey there, I’ve been meaning to introduce myself!” It’s as simple as that.
Put yourself in situations where you’re likely to run into other community members. Hang out on your front porch, go to the park with your kids or take your dog to the dog park. You’re bound to run into other like-minded individuals, and this will give you an easy way to strike up a conversation.
Start a Free Little Library on your street! This is a great way to connect with other book lovers and build common connections within your neighborhood. Hand out fliers or post on your neighborhood’s Facebook page that you’re looking for people to add books to the local little library! Or, start a book club that allows you to have weekly meetings and discuss with fellow readers.
Host a backyard movie night. This is a good one for families- by hosting monthly movie nights, you’re able to connect and build relationships with other local families. This is a fantastic way for both you and your children to make friends and have fun in the meantime!
Organize a block party. This is one of the easiest ways to meet your neighbors and establish connection within your community. It’s fun to share food and drinks, and just meet new people! Just enjoy talking with your neighbors and connecting with like minded individuals. This is a great way to welcome new neighbors as well!
These are just a few ideas to get you started! The way you approach meeting others is totally up to you. Once you begin establishing connections within your neighborhood, you never know what could come out of it! You may decide to start a running club or even a community garden. With just a little bit of effort, you can completely shift the way you view your community.
