You have been living next to your neighbor for years but, somehow, you two have not formed a close bond. Despite the proximity, many Americans do not consider their neighbors their friends. In some cases, there exists a resentment between neighbors.
It is not too late for you to create a more agreeable relationship with your neighbor, especially if you see them struggling due to an illness. Be the first to offer an olive branch. Here are some of the good things you can do for them:
Help Them Help Themselves
Some people are too shy or embarrassed to ask for help, especially from someone who is not a family member or close friend. You can still help them by enabling them to gain access to some of the resources available to them. For example, Julota.com collects relevant information about members of the community and shares them with non-profit and government services in order to address people’s physical and social issues immediately. So, when your neighbor needs help cleaning their yard due to an injury or go out to get treatment, they can turn to the platform which will send them volunteers to do a bit of lawn maintenance and drive her to the hospital.
Be Specific With What You Can Do For Them
You have good intentions, but saying “call me for anything” alone is not enough. Chances are, your neighbor will not ask you for help. Tell them what you can do for them. Offer to complete small chores like walking their dog in the morning or cooking their meals every night. Anything can help. They are more likely to say yes if you tell them specifically what you are willing to do rather than letting them decide when they need help. This will also save you from getting a request to perform a task that you might not be comfortable with or simply do not have the time to do.
Find Ways to Be Kind
Sharing a slice of cake or a jar of cookies with your neighbor might be cliched, but it works. Giving a gift, whether it is a food you made or an item that you think they will like, is an effective way to befriending your neighbor. However, always take into consideration their current medical condition. For example, if your neighbor is diabetic, giving them chocolates is not a good idea. Choose the gift wisely; do not just pick something from your house that you no longer use.
Talk to Them
You cannot befriend your neighbor by staying inside your house all the time. Spend a bit of time outside. This will give you an opportunity to say “hello” to your neighbor and initiate a conversation. However, do not harass them. Check if they have the time or they are in the mood to talk. If you see them hurrying to go somewhere, they probably do not have the time to chat with you. Ask them how they are doing, but do not prod for details about their condition. They may not be comfortable sharing private information.
Your neighbor probably also wants to be friends with you. Do not be afraid to make the first move. You should always be open and positive so that they will feel comfortable interacting and then trusting you.
