Adults Only please--- I forgot to ask why?

Question

In most countries, including China, especially in the big cities, people don't know their neighbors' names. So, why do people living in the American cities still know their neighbors' names ?

I forgot to ask why when I posted the following

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiGsKnj16mTV6WRGfX7bI7Dsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071120173557AApVDeC

This question is for adults only, preferably people above 35. Thanks. (Don't lie. I'm not a kid.)

Answer 1

I'm not sure that's necessarily true, I've lived places where we didn't know a single neighbor's name .... we'd just smile and say hi as we passed. I think it depends on where you live.

In the suburbs, where people own their own homes and are more likely to stay in the same spot for years, they come to know neighbors over the years. But in apartment complexes, people come and go every 6 months, so it's more difficult.

Answer 2

I'm 52, and I know my neighbors' names (or at least am learning them, as I just moved here). We know because we ask; it's considered polite to at least know someone's first name. We may not know their surnames until we get to know them a bit better after we (or they) move to a neighborhood, but that's just a process of getting to know someone. Since people own their own homes in many neighborhoods, you kind of expect them to be around a while, and so you learn their names, and probably their kids' and pets' names too. You may or may not socialize with them, but there's a pretty decent chance that SOMEONE in the neighborhood will be a person that you like well enough to spend time with. That's how I met my best friend, who I've known since I was eleven!!

When I was a child, it was very common for people to bake a cake or similar welcoming gift for a new person in the neighborhood. Now that people move around more, and neighborhoods are a bit less long-lasting, that doesn't happen as much, but people still know each other's names.

Answer 3

Maybe big cities is the answer...faster pace etc. I didn't realize that people in China didn't know their neighbors names. I am not in a big city, but I do know my immediate neighbors around me. It's a good question. But at least for me, growing up in California, my family was always looking out for our next door neighbors and helping whenever a need arose for it. So maybe we get it from our parents? I think it is how you are raised and also if you have something in common with your neighbors.

Answer 4

I live on the end of my street, but I'm very good friends with our only neighbours. I've lived in the house for about 15 years, and our neighbours, both school teachers, taught my son in High School, which is how we had first met. We're good friends, and when I was married we would go out to eat or a movie with them as couples. Now that I'm divorced, I still speak with both of them on a daily basis, and I play basketball with the husband during the spring and summer.

Had I not a circumstantial reason to know anything about them, I more than likely would not have cared to know anything but their names.

Answer 5

I have to be honest with you, I have not known any of my neighbors' names in about 10 years. (I have lived in different places, though, all in the USA.)

I am just not interested in getting to know them. I am a home body and I do not like to be disturbed when I am at home. That is my time to spend with my children or just do whatever I want. If I want to hang out with people I will make plans to do so. And, I do exactly that almost every Saturday night. Neighbors are close enough to drop in unannounced when they know you. I don't want that. No... no, I don't.

P.S. I'm 43. :)

Answer 6

what makes you think they don't know their neighbours names?
What would posses you to believe anyone under the ages of 35 is a child? What planet did you get your degree from that constructed/defined childhood as 35 and below-Where i'm from it is 18 plus.
It's one thing to ask for an opinion from someone above the ages of 30, it is another to refer to those under your requirements as kids (as you did in your link) Or are you an agist?
I'm sure there are millions of people out there with their masters degree who are MUCH much younger than you! and probably more intelligent-With a great answer to your question, but may be too offended to answer.

btw- your question makes no sense to ask in a spiritual section. If you want mature answers, ask mature questions.

Answer 7

You say "In most countries"

Please cite references, sources.

I live in the UK, and I've always known my neighbour's names, and I've moved around over the last 20 years. I have no reason to believe it is any different in Ireland, France, Norway or Holland.

I agree that cities are more impersonal in general.

Emphasise 'in general'.

I dont; see what this has to do with religion. Neither do I understand your assertion that one has to be over 35 to be an adult.

What an odd setup I sense....

Answer 8

We know our neighbors names because we like the feeling of friendship and security. If i leave my house for a week to go to england, i feel comfortable knowing that my neighbors are trustworthy and can keep an eye on my home. Its also a way to make friends which everyone should have.

Answer 9

In crowded areas where there is dense housing, people often don't know their neighbors and they prefer not to. Most likely, it's to maintain a certain amount of privacy in spite of the close living.

Answer 10

We generally say hi when we see people move in and introduce ourselves. This is not the rule in all cases especially in apartments where people rent for a year and then move. When people own, it's very likely that they know their neighbors.