Would you want your new neighbors to approach you and introduce themselves? (wife, retired)

[head librarian]

I live in a Townhouse and have neighbors on either side of us. The townhouse on one side of us was empty for a few months but a few weeks ago a new couple moved in. I saw them come out of their home and went over to introduce myself. (We share walls so we have common interests.)

I was completely shocked by how cold and standoffish they were. They seemed insulted and bothered that I would take even a minute of their valuable time to approach them and introduce myself. Their reaction seemed to be that there was no reason to bother them just because we were neighbors. I just wanted to talk to them for a minute or less knowing how busy people are today.

My wife asked me why I even bothered because nowadays most people don't talk to their neighbors. So the new neighbors likely thought I was bothering them. They thought: "You live next door, SO?"

So, would you approach a new neighbor who just moved in just to say hello and introduce yourself?

[Endoplasmic]

Nope. I would also be annoyed if they knocked on my door (The likelihood of me opening it is slim at best if I am not expecting anyone).

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by head librarian

So, would you approach a new neighbor who just moved in just to say hello and introduce yourself?

That’s a different question than the thread title.

But I get it. It’s easy to become confused Now that you’re Retired.

[Cal.M.I.]

Originally Posted by head librarian

I live in a Townhouse and have neighbors on either side of us. The townhouse on one side of us was empty for a few months but a few weeks ago a new couple moved in. I saw them come out of their home and went over to introduce myself. (We share walls so we have common interests.)

I was completely shocked by how cold and standoffish they were. They seemed insulted and bothered that I would take even a minute of their valuable time to approach them and introduce myself. Their reaction seemed to be that there was no reason to bother them just because we were neighbors. I just wanted to talk to them for a minute or less knowing how busy people are today.

My wife asked me why I even bothered because nowadays most people don't talk to their neighbors. So the new neighbors likely thought I was bothering them. They thought: "You live next door, SO?"

So, would you approach a new neighbor who just moved in just to say hello and introduce yourself?

I would have done the same as you. I wouldn't think anything of saying ,"hi" the next time I saw them again, either, say, when I was taking garbage cans in or out.
Maybe they're new to the area and this custom is not familiar to them? They don't speak english? They've had bad neighbor experiences in the past? Maybe they're like Mr. Wilson on Dennis the Menace (crabby by nature)? Who knows.

But, ya know, ya never know when neighbors are going to have to help one another.
Keep being a good neighbor, pat yourself on the back and smile. It doesn't cost you anything.

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

That’s a different question than the thread title.

But I get it. It’s easy to become confused Now that you’re Retired.

[Mr. In-Between]

Maybe they recognized you from all your posts on City Data and were shocked to realize they'd moved in right next door to you!

[wasel]

I think introducing yourself to neighbors is a good thing. Especially with lost pets, missing packages and all the other issues that crop up. I wouldn’t worry about it. Now you know not to say anything to this couple in the future. I’d still make introductions to future new neighbors.

[puginabug]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

That’s a different question than the thread title.

But I get it. It’s easy to become confused Now that you’re Retired.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Er....fingers?

[Jowel]

Originally Posted by wasel

I think introducing yourself to neighbors is a good thing. Especially with lost pets, missing packages and all the other issues that crop up. I wouldn’t worry about it. Now you know not to say anything to this couple in the future. I’d still make introductions to future new neighbors.

Exactly. Maybe (not likely but maybe) you just caught them at a really bad time when they were dealing with something stressful and they wouldn't react in such a standoffish, awkward manner all the time. You could always give them the benefit of the doubt and just do a wave or hi if you see them outside but not really go out your way to knock on the door to visit and see if the reaction is any more gracious on their part.

Not everyone has to be best friends with the neighbors but until there's a good reason to do otherwise, it at least makes sense to be pleasantly cordial.

[NC211]

Goes to Best Buy for teenager approved stereo and Ozzy Osborn CD, then introduces self to arrogant new neighbor at 1:30 am...