A new neighbor has just moved into the house next to mine. Should I take a gift and go and say hello to them ? Or is it up to them to come to my house and introduce themselves ?
What is the right thing to do ?
2007-02-24 14:44:56 · 12 answers · asked by kenneth h 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It would be extremely kind and gracious of you to take a small housewarming gift over to them. Etiquette wise it should be those in the neighborhood who first do the introductions, it makes for a nice welcoming and good neighborly relations. You could take them a plate of cookies, a house plant, or even just a nice card; it doesn't have to cost much - it's the thought that counts and your new neighbors will be so grateful to meet their new neighbors.
2007-02-24 14:58:57 · answer #1 · answered by Aunt Bee 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since you are already established in the neighborhood, I think it would be better if you made the first move and introduced yourself. They are likely to be consumed with all the worries of moving and settling in, and may not have the ability to get away to meet the neighbors themselves for quite some time.
As far as a welcome gift, you don't necessarily need to take anything, but it would give you that added "excuse" for dropping by... "Well, I was making cookies today and thought you and the kids might enjoy a batch since you've been working so hard!" That would be a nice ice-breaker and help make that first introduction less awkward.
2007-02-24 15:26:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's better if you didn't knock their door or give the gift in the first move. More suitable to meet in middle way by chance or even make the first move but not by going to their door. People are not all the same kind of thinking. Some people may like step by step approach, others prefer no disturb without previous notice. If you can do it by phone to say " hello I would like to come to you and introduce myself... " that would be nice if you know their number. You should give a person a chance to decide whether he likes this approach or not.
2007-02-24 17:37:45 · answer #3 · answered by Wise Heart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's the harm in showing up to their house with something nice? Think about how you would feel if you just moved into a new neighborhood and your new neighbors showed up at your door, introduced themselves and presented you with a box of Godiva white chocolates (you know the box that runs about 32 bucks but can be eaten in one evening and they're so damned good)?
It's a nice thought, isn't it? So set about making it happen. Don't worry, they'll pay it forward.
2007-02-24 20:16:22 · answer #4 · answered by heathboy27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go next door and introduce yourself. Ask if there is anything they need to know such as garbage collection days and if you can help in any way. Don't intrude, just be friendly. If the worst of the moving is over and they have time to relax, invite them to your place for afternoon/morning tea or coffee. Bake a cake.
2007-02-24 14:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I won't take a gift, but if I saw them outside of their house, in their yard, etc. I would approach them and introduce myself. I won't go to their door. It's a nice idea, but if they just moved in they may be busy or want their privacy. You don't want to look like the busy-body of the neighborhood.
2007-02-24 15:56:46 · answer #6 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the 'Miss Manners' answer, but either way, i've moved 2x in the last 3 yrs and I would have felt so much more at ease if they had come and said hello first.
2007-02-24 15:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by jess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always make the first move. I take them a basket with two wine glasses, a bottle of good wine, crackers, grapes, apples and cheese. I also give them menus from our fave places to eat, business cards from our vet, hairdresser, and our trusted mechanic. And don't forget to give them your name and email address, too. We love our neighbors and they were all very good to us when we moved in. I will never ever forget the lady that bought us blueberry muffins one morning right after we moved in. She gave us muffins, paper plates and napkins. We LOVE her!
2007-02-24 15:40:04 · answer #8 · answered by wwhrd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A gift isn't really necessary, but if you want to be seen as a good neighbour just go next door and introduce yourself and welcome them into the neighbourhood
2007-02-24 14:49:53 · answer #9 · answered by Lynn M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you want to be neighborly, simply approach them in a day or two, introduce yourself and it cud be even nicer if you invite them all over for coffee within a week or so.
2007-02-24 15:44:15 · answer #10 · answered by PikC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋