The Importance of Befriending Neighbors: They Might Just Save Your Life

The Importance of Befriending Neighbors: They Might Just Save Your Life

Most people believe that government, emergency response teams, and other elements of state infrastructure matter most in times of survival, but the research does not fully support that claim. While there is no denying the importance of infrastructure and professional emergency responders, studies suggest that personal connections can play a grander role in survival.

One political scientist, Daniel Aldrich, spoke about his findings back in 2011 with NPR reporter Shankar Vedantam. According to Aldrich, the government response is good for restoring power and clearing excess water, but in disaster situations, like hurricane Katrina, emergency responders face too many complications and delays to save many lives.

Personal connections are the key to survival during disasters and times of crisis. Unfortunately, too many people undervalue the significance of their neighbors and communities. It becomes necessary, then, to evaluate the importance of community and personal ties in terms of survival skills.

NEIGHBORS AND SUBLIMINAL PATTERN RECOGNITION

While there are many reasons to get to know your neighbors, one of the primary ones is to have a second set of eyes on your property. Neighbors who know each other tend to look after one another’s property.

While you might have caring neighbors who watch over the community vigilantly without knowing all the people in the area, most people tend to stay to themselves unless they feel comfortable with somebody. Think about how often you watch a stranger go to their mailbox or take note of the offish neighbor down the street. People are more likely to take note of individuals they know and care about — or, at least like.

When neighbors take the time to get to know each other, something clicks in their brains. Suddenly, the neighbor next door is an individual. Your brain automatically begins to register when you see them, how frequently, and their patterns or routines.

It is easier for the brain to make connections when there is a personal connection. It is also easier for someone to get up the nerve to act when they feel something is wrong or awry. Relatability and connection breed confidence and compassion, meaning people are more willing to help and ask questions when the initial awkwardness of introductions is in the past.

NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Many people struggle with making initial contact. It seems that in the era of social media and digital connection, face-to-face interactions become strange and uncomfortable. However, there is no quicker method to getting to know your neighbors than introductions and friendly gestures.

Developing relationships is not as challenging as it might seem to be. You can start building relationships by waving at neighbors in their yards and saying hello.

Does your neighbor have a knack for something you find interesting? For instance, are they avid gardeners, or do they own a vehicle you like? Perhaps they own a friendly dog, allowing an opportunity to walk your pets together. Find some commonality or interesting habit or trait you can use to initiate a conversation once you are comfortable with the waving stage.

Relationships, connections are not built in a day. You need to be willing to invest time and energy. You will create a friendship or at least a connection that might help you survive the next disaster or crisis when you do.

Do you have any tips for building relationships in a neighborhood? Do you feel these connections are meaningful?

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