I recently bought a home in a neighborhood with a lot of elderly people. Some stare and wait until my family speak everyday, some speak only when they feel like it,some don't speak at all, and some just speak too much. I have one neighbor that waves for a loooooong time then proceed to wave all day when they see us... this is annoying. How should I handle it? Right now I just go with the flow.
2007-08-15 21:35:38 · 18 answers · asked by asexystudd 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
You are complaining about most of your neighbours being standoffish, and yet also complaining that your next door neighbour is TOO friendly? There is just no pleasing you, is there? Have you ever thought that your next door neighbour has noticed the attitude of the others, and just wants you to feel welcome?
The way I would be handling this is to plaster a huge smile on my face every time I saw any one of my neighbours, saying hello to each and every one. I would make a point of nattering on like an airhead to the neighbours who don't speak at all, until they either joined me or got up and walked away (I have actually done this a few times). As to the waver, I would ask her if all that waving doesn't aggravate her arthritis, because it does me, and then I would refrain from waving at all after the first one, but still smile and exchange pleasantries.
I can see where your kids are going to be bored in the neighbourhood. If they're young you are going to have trouble with them having to go out of your immediate neighbourhood in search of companions.
2007-08-16 02:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm trying to see where your problem is......you live in a pretty typical neighborhood, and if there are more elderly than "young" neighbors, count yourself fortunate. You will not likely have to deal with loud, noisy parties, drug or alcohol problems, no guns going off at sunset, a lot less traffic, yards maintained and houses that are usually well looked after which means your property value will go up. You will always have one or two who HAVE to know everything, but they are also a blessing in disguise, you will not likely experience many burglaries. Most of these people are merely curious about the "new" people on the block, one or two may become good friends and others will be just people who live nearby. You are under no obligation to any of these people, but if all it is costing you is a wave now and again, or a five minute conversation, then consider it an investment. You will possibly have made a lonely person feel useful and interesting if even for a moment, you will have the added security of knowing your home is a little safer and you might be surprised to find who will pitch in and help if you are in need. Go with the flow, one day you may be the "elderly" neighbor who wants nothing more than to greet the newcomer and make them feel welcome.
2007-08-15 22:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by canuck1950 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Just keep going with the flow.It probably is one of the safest,nicest,neighborhoods. We had to live in my Moms neighborhood for a while, mainly all widow women, a few close to my age. All were friendly, some more talkative than others, but man, do they know what is going on, and if not suspect. You wouldn't believe the gossip. So watch yourself there. Yet, they were and are always there to help, make sure all is okay, etc. That is so comforting you forget the rest. I'm glad my Mom has them as neighbors. You might consider getting to know them,and find it's not so bad. I think all people if they would only admit it stare when someone new moves in, just out of curiosity. Good Luck, wait and see you will probably see a difference soon.
2007-08-16 14:40:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean, 30 years ago I moved into a quiet wee street with my husband and 2 children. There were no other youngsters in the street and we were feeling very unwelcome, but as they got to know us we made friends, and the children were not rude or annoying, so they were accepted too. Now I live on my own in another quiet wee street and if a young family moved in I would also not be too welcoming as I'd hate all the peace and quiet to go, as so often happens in this situation. I can see it from both sides, so all I can say is --- try to fit in and if you have children keep them under control and all show consideration for your neighbours.
2007-08-16 02:20:12 · answer #4 · answered by Roxy. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say keep going with the flow. Being a good neighbor is a two way street. If you got sick I bet those people would be the first knocking on your door with pot luck and hand it through the door just to save you the work of feeding your family.
2007-08-16 06:06:53 · answer #5 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must live on Long Island. It must be the proximity to Manhattan but for some reason people there are the most unfriendly people around. They simply will not talk to anyone they don't know. If a stranger asks them a question they just stare at them like they don't understand the language. Maybe it's paranoia.
2007-08-15 22:34:47 · answer #6 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is wrong with being friendly? Wave back sweety.Give your neighbors a chance. I like to see people with small children I would love to help baby sit. My Grand children are grown. I get alonge very well with teen-agers. I am one of those ladies that everyone calls Grandma and I love it.
2007-08-16 03:50:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are doing just fine. Continue to go with the flow. Sometimes we want to be friendly but don't want to offend. You young whippersnappers are a lot different than we were at your age. We need to find out what you are all about before we put our paw in the cookie jar only to find out it is a bee hive.
2007-08-18 14:16:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My table is stable against a window which overlooks my driveway/neighbor's backyard. each from time to time while my window is open I hear the guy around the corner chatting along with his 2 canines mutually as they run around interior the returned backyard i admire listening to him talk, he's often so happy lol
2016-10-15 12:37:42 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep going with the flow and wave back.
What's the big deal?
A little kindness by waving can't hurt anyone.
Don't be annoyed.
2007-08-19 17:35:48 · answer #10 · answered by chansenfam@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋