Sometimes I wonder if it's valid to say "gone are the good old days", the days where one could leave their home doors unlocked and still return to find everything intact, the days where everyone lived as one big happy family. I guess that was how the saying that it takes a village to raise a child was made. These days, it's common to find everyone minding their business, also for valid reasons.
If it were easy, I bet each person would want to have his or her private home, without the need to share apartments or a compound with neighbours, at least street neighbours still have a level of restriction. I grew up with my parent in a compound shared with other families, so if there is anything neighbour drama, the good, bad, and ugly, I have experienced them all. I guess it's this very reason that made me a more private person as an adult.
Yes, I'm the kind of neighbour that minds my business, this is not about being rude or proud, it's just a precaution I take to avoid unnecessary neighbour drama, this doesn't stop me from being polite, greeting my neighbour, or engaging in an important meeting that requires my attention. As funny and unbelievable as it sounds, I've had a neighbour or landlady in my case who was constantly on my neck to make trouble with her, just because I choose to be private and ignore the too much friendliness, which often definitely leads to disrespect. Rather than banter or exchange words with her, I had to relocate to somewhere else for my peace.
I still maintain my "minding my business" mode in my current place of residence, and in the 6 month I moved to this new location, I've experienced peace like never before with my current neighbours, maybe it's because they are educated and are in same age bracket as me, so they understand this "minding my business thing. So yes, friendliness can also suit the relationship with them, and if an emergency situation pops up in my absence, I'm sure they will be of help and I too if the case were reversed.
I've never been comfortable leaving my children with anybody that isn't family, so no, no matter how friendly I get with anybody I can't leave my kids in their care. Thankfully, I have my mum living in the same city as me, making this part easier for me.
And finally, I'm the kind of neighbour I like, and having neighbours who relate to this lifestyle with me, has been the best thing that has happened since becoming independent and having my own home.
A simple greeting, a kind gesture, or a helping hand can go a long way in building relationships without compromising my need for privacy. It's a balance that I've learned to create for myself as it is essential in today's world, the heart of men is wicked, and since we can't read minds, it's better to act safe and take precautions, going online and seeing what some wicked neighbours do is enough reason to take precautions.
Image is mine