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First of all, if I had my way, I would be neighborless, but that's not the case. I like my privacy and try to respect my neighbors as well. Is it really necessary to acknowledge them each and every time when we are both outside at the same time? I'm not talking about when we are out there for hours, working in the yard, as that usually results in some conversation. I'm talking about just popping out to let the dogs out, take out the trash, etc. I'll wave on occasion if we happen to make eye contact, but if not, I think it is polite of me to let them have their privacy in their yard without having to interact with anyone else. My friend thinks it is rude. Any thoughts?
This might be a regional thing, or an urban vs. suburban thing.
I prefer to be left alone, and to leave others to their business, but if I see someone and that person sees me, I'll at least wave or say, "Hey, how are ya?"
Part of it is being part of a community, and part of it is not wanting to have my packages stolen if UPS delivers and I'm not home.
Part of it is being part of a community, and part of it is not wanting to have my packages stolen if UPS delivers and I'm not home.
I LOL'd when I read that because I was thinking the same thing!
I agree with Lilac110 here...plus it depends on the neighbor. Some neighbors are just more talkative than others. Some say Hi and others you don't dare say hello to because you'll be spending the next 20 mins standing there hearing about their aches & pains.
First of all, if I had my way, I would be neighborless, but that's not the case. I like my privacy and try to respect my neighbors as well. Is it really necessary to acknowledge them each and every time when we are both outside at the same time? I'm not talking about when we are out there for hours, working in the yard, as that usually results in some conversation. I'm talking about just popping out to let the dogs out, take out the trash, etc. I'll wave on occasion if we happen to make eye contact, but if not, I think it is polite of me to let them have their privacy in their yard without having to interact with anyone else. My friend thinks it is rude. Any thoughts?
How much effort does it take to do a quick wave or just say "Hi" and then go about your business collecting your mail or taking out the trash?
I mean if someone has their back to you I wouldn't be shouting out "HELLO" to get their attention, but if you see each other you should wave or say "Hi".
You also never know someday you may need some help with some type of emergency(medical or otherwise), or if you go away asking them to keep an eye on your home.
This is more of a summer issue here - when we spend more time in the back yard. And during the summer, I've planted things in such a way that I don't see anyone. This was not only for our privacy but theirs too. If we make eye contact we will wave or say hi.
Neighbors out front we will wave.
The neighbor on one side of us is like our mom. We are very close. But even at that, as much as we love her, we don't want to have a long conversation every time we see her outside. We will always say hello if she sees us, but we would not go out of our way to interrupt her, stop what we are doing etc. Really depends on the situation.
Saying howdy or a wave shouldn't be that big of a deal. You would be surprised how offended some people get if a neighbor or someone doesn't nod or wave.
I always wave or say hi to my neighbors. It takes two seconds or less to be polite like that.
It's not bad to get to know your neighbors a little bit. I've exchanged phone numbers with some of my neighbors and we text each other if we see something suspicious at the other's house. Others I just know from waving to each other as we walk our dogs.
Saying howdy or a wave shouldn't be that big of a deal. You would be surprised how offended some people get if a neighbor or someone doesn't nod or wave.
This is very true about some people getting offended if they don't get a nod or wave, as silly as that may sound.
So take two seconds and wave, it benefits everyone in the long run. It actually could make a difference in how a neighbor may react if they see something "shady" going on when you're not home.
There are people who will decide whether or not to take action and call the police or chase off possible criminals based on the fact as to whether or not they consider you friendly or unfriendly.
Sounds petty, but it is true.
Again you don't have to be friends and engage in long conversations constantly, but that little wave may make a difference at some point.
I agree with you. We have the same type neighbors. We will occasionally have an "over the fence visit." Often these are initiated because something needs to be shared regarding the neighborhood, or just a quick catch up when we've all been shut up during bad weather etc.
We will acknowledge each other at times, other times we are just doing our own thing. I agree with you. That is the norm. Having someone wave and try to talk to me every time I walk out of my home would be an irritant, and the natural course of action would be to begin avoiding them. Follow your own instincts.
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