I Try To Be Friendly Because It Cost Nothing

Before now, I used to feel like I am a one man mopol I would be alone and not relate with anyone around me because I enjoy my own company a lot and I just don't want people in my space. I could be in my room when I was in the university for the whole weekend and I won't go out or have anything to do outside. My neighbors know I'm in only by the aroma of my food while cooking. Sometimes, one of my very friendly neighbor would knock on my door and say she's just checking on me. Then, when I go home on holidays, my mom used to encourage me to go out and visit my old school mates but I usually decline and stay indoors until I go back to school. Some people call me proud, arrogant, and whatever they like because of my habit but This has been my lifestyle and way of life for a very long time until I got married to my husband.  My husband is a very jovial person that greets everyone in the neighborhood. He would always encourage me to greet people and relate well with everyone. before I knew it, I was already adjusting little by little. I began to understand that it doesn't cost me anything to be friendlier to people. I started doing better in that aspect until I had my baby. You need to see how people showed me love, not basically because of me but for my very friendly husband who was friendly to everyone both young and old. As my son grew older, he became very friendly too that I started feeling ashamed sometimes when we go out. My son will greet people as a toddler and I will be forced to say 'hi' too. Till date, a lot of people know me because of my son. As it is right now in my compound, I mind my business to some extent but I'm friendly with all my neighbors. I play and discuss with them, I celebrate with them, we eat together and find solutions to situations together, and I've been there for them during their difficult times. They have as well done the same for me.  Just last week, my kitchen gas cylinder caught fire but for my neighbors whom my son went to call who helped putoff the fire and rescue the situation. If I was not in good terms with them, I don't know what would have happened to my family that day. I have trusted them with my kids countless times before and they have never disappointed me. I understand that one has to be mindful because the heart of man is desperately wicked but we still have good people who will standup for you anytime any day. I am the kind of neighbor I pray for. This is my response to Hive learners community weekly featured contents week 179 episode one, on the topic: **KNOW THY NEIGHBOR** Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you. *Images used are mine* ***Yours truly @aunty-tosin 💕💕***