A good neighbor knows when not to wave.
They nod from across the street, maybe lift a hand if the mood strikes, but mostly—they stay put. They don’t wander over with gossip wrapped in small talk or ask what that noise was last night. They know everyone’s got ghosts, and some of us like to drink coffee with ours in peace.
A good neighbor minds their lawn, their lights, and their damn business. They understand proximity isn’t friendship—it’s geography. The best ones don’t pretend otherwise. They’re the kind who’ll pull your trash bin up to the curb when you forget, but never ask why you forgot in the first place.
But here’s the part no one admits: good neighbors save us, quietly.
They remind us we’re not alone even when we choose to be. The sound of their footsteps, the faint hum of their television through the wall—it’s proof of life, the fragile kind that keeps you tethered when the world starts feeling too wide. We may never speak beyond a passing hello, but that’s not indifference. It’s understanding.
The secret isn’t in being close—it’s in being considerate. It’s in knowing that kindness sometimes looks like silence. And if you’re lucky, it’s in the neighbor who nods at you through the blinds, both of you quietly agreeing that the best relationships are the ones that never need explaining.
Memoirs of Madness 
I agree. Awhile back one of my neighbors started to “coincidentally” showing up at his mailbox when I was going out to get mine. We ended up chatting at length a couple of times, he gave me his phone # and said call him if I needed help. I thought that was pretty nice of him. However the more we talked the more I realized he was what I will call “a little different” and that friendliness of his took on a more menacing quality. Do I wish I hadn’t talked to him? Maybe. But if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have been forewarned if he shows up at my door one day (or at my window in the night!)
LikeLiked by 3 people
I have neighbors like that and I’ve had the one’s that are ” a little special” and you have to take the time to listen if you can. Thanks Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Jesus is a mythical diabolical creature
Kills kids during his mass
Texas 🤠Last few month ago
LikeLike
amen
LikeLiked by 3 people
thank you
LikeLike
thank you
LikeLike
Wow! Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you
LikeLike