Do You get Your Neighbors a Gift?

Neighbors are wonderful reminders that we as humans have always lived in a communal setting. 

However, with our increasing obsession with social media and technology, we are becoming more and more disconnected from one another.  Now, more than in recent history, it’s important for our social evolution to reconnect with one another, and there is no easier way than by making friends with your neighbors, the original tribe.

In Tribes: On Homecoming and Belonging, Sebastian Junger discusses the importance of being an active member of one’s community and how we as humans are biologically wired for connection. 

As college student neighbors, we not only share common space but usually shared hopes, struggles, and aspirations.  One way to make friends with your neighbors is to orchestrate a study session.  While you and your neighbors may have different classes and majors, studies show that by being in a communal study space actually improves focus and concentration. 

During the session, schedule 10-15 minute breaks where you play short games and icebreakers!  Another great way to meet your neighbors is to host a dinner party.  Dinner parties are an excellent way to meet new people in a casual environment.  It seems lately that dinner parties have become a thing of the past, where no one really has the time or energy to host, let alone attend one of these events.  But these don’t have to be your parents’ dinner parties! 

There are so many ways you can have an amazing dinner party without the stress.  You can order the main dish and make the remaining side dishes, host a potluck or better yet, have a cooking dinner party, where your guest actually help to prepare the meal! 

The last piece of advice is pretty classic…just be yourself! 

Be your kind, charming friendly self and you’ll attract another kind, charming and friendly beings into your presence.  While there may be times, when being yourself doesn’t result in a lifelong friendship or even a warm acquaintance.  Most of the time when you approach people in sincerity, with something as simple as a smile, you get a positive response.   

This small gesture can open the door up to casual conversation which, in turn, may lead to an enduring friendship.  This is true especially if your neighbors are somewhat different than you, in these situations you have the opportunity to learn and grow from another’s social and cultural experience and they can learn and grow from yours. 

To explore the possibility of befriending your neighbors and see what the universe has in store!