How well do you know your neighbors?

LTC Gavin Heater — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:38:07 -0400

I celebrated 14 years in my home this year and will celebrate 20 years in my adopted Commonwealth of Massachusetts this summer. However, I don't really feel that I know my neighbors very well. I worked outside my home town and used to be away so much I felt like I was here temporarily. So...is this a common feeling amongst other RP members or is it just me? Things are better now that I am a Retired Reservist, but I am still busy. What are your thoughts? By the way, my wife knows everyone.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 12:41 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:41:17 -0400

Frankly, living in base housing is challenging to know anyone since people always come and go. Other than that, moving out of town helps to bind with community a bit more. Oh yeah, should I mention, wife always knows everyone and everything, do not argue, just agree. Great question!

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made May 2 at 2015 12:55 PM

SGT Michael Touchet — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:55:20 -0400

I have been living in my home for about the same amount of time and I am acquainted with my neighbors as we live in a private gated neighborhood with a homeowners association; but I, like most of my neighbors tend to enjoy our privacy and while we often chat from time to time we don't often get together socially.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made May 2 at 2015 1:02 PM

Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP — Sat, 02 May 2015 13:02:33 -0400

I've lived in the same house just over 10 years now - lots are in the 3 to 4 acre size, homes in the 2500 sq ft size, most of us have kids on the older side. On a normal day, I leave the house at 0600 and typically get back around 1830...you can probably sense where this is headed.

I've met the folks on the left once - they don't return waves, chat over the fence, or otherwise interact with me (or anybody else so far as I can tell). They are younger than me, so that could be a factor as well. Folks on the right I've met once - seem pretty nice, but again, no further interaction initiated by them or me. I've seen them outside on their deck once in the last year.

Just had my 5-year PR interview last week - they wanted me to provide names of two neighbors who knew me. I gave them one (two doors down) and said he and I talk every 2-3 months, typically about how bad our commute sucks. I know he is married with 3 kids and some big mutts... Told them I doubted any of my other neighbors could pick me out of a lineup to save their lives.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 2 at 2015 1:15 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 02 May 2015 13:15:18 -0400

I would like to know more ABOUT them, as that would help my domestic invasion risk assessment, but there's only a few I would like to KNOW better. :)

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 2 at 2015 1:29 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 02 May 2015 13:29:40 -0400

I have moved so often in my life that I never actually take the time to get to know my neighbors. It seems that even if I were to stay in one house for too long the neighbors would move. Houses in the area I currently live in are 1940's era cinderblock bunkers so no one here truly wants to stay too long anyway.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 2 at 2015 2:25 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Sat, 02 May 2015 14:25:27 -0400

Sounds like my story. My house lot is smaller, but still separated from my neighbors. As a 45 mile commuter, I feel split from my community. At least I attend to some town events in the summer.