Dear Elders, Do you find that neighbors are more, or less friendly than in past years? Do you find that others are willing to help folks out during emergencies, such as the power outages this year?
Signed,
Gary
Casper Kranenburg
Dear Gary,
In recent news articles, I saw again and again that neighbors are the friendliest people we can imagine, helping out in time of need, be it an earthquake, a flood or a power outage. However, I have also read about neighbors who are plain inconsiderate and obnoxious. Those are the ones who use handicapped parking spaces using ‘borrowed’ tags and also those who do not pick up after their dog, for instance.
Roioli Schweiker
Dear Gary,
It depends on the area where you live. In small towns, the neighbors, and the rest of the people in town, are more friendly, partly because they have known you for a long time.
Now we live in an area that is mostly commercial, and the houses are short-term rentals. We have been friends with some of the neighbors who were very helpful when we needed help. But they were soon gone.
Jan Stickler
Dear Gary,
I suspect it is more a case of being extremely busy. In most families, both parents work. Children are busy with school and extracurricular activities, and teenagers often have part-time jobs. Families rarely have time to sit down for dinner together, no less have time to fraternize with the neighbors. A friendly wave is par for the course.
In times of emergencies, though, I’ve found people will very often put their hectic lives aside to help others. We have certainly seen it demonstrated during the floods, ice storms and power outages. People have not become less caring, just more busy. Perhaps, too busy.
Bill Twibill
Dear Optimist,
I have been very fortunate to have had in my life both here in N.H. and in New York City the very best and finest neighbors anyone could ask for. When in need, they were always there. I had great experiences with power blackouts in New York and saw the best in helping and sharing in time of need. Here in N.H., I have seen the same generosity and caring. Just the other day, I realized I had no more merlot and called a few of my neighbors, who all ran over to my place with their supply and even brought corkscrews and appetizers. We partied for hours!! That should confirm any doubt regarding the friendship and care all my neighbors share. Time to run out of pinot grigio.
Steve Leavenworth
Dear Gary,
I’ve been here in New Hampshire since 1954 but found the neighbors in East Concord a bit cool. I can’t imagine any of them knocking on my door to help during a power outage. I live in the South end now, and I think things have improved considerably.
