What Have You Lost? No. 3

Do you ever feel like somehow, despite advancements, the world is somehow less connected than you experienced growing up? Recently, I started a discussion on things we’ve lost along the way and invited readers to tell me how our social fabric has changed in their lifetimes. I’d love it if you’d tell me what you miss.

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As I’ve been asking “What Have You Lost,” one of the most repeated responses has been “front porches”.

People of course don’t mean the actual structure, floorboards and columns and steps, but the use of the front porch. They’re nostalgic for rocking chairs and lemonade and the timeless arts of small talking, people watching and busy-bodying.

There was a time, they want to make sure I know, when people actually sat on their front porches. A time when a walk down the street would mean an almost guaranteed encounter with half a dozen neighbors.

This was of course before air conditioners coaxed people away from the cool summer breezes and before an endless list of TV shows tempted them to camp out in front of their DVRs.

While we’re likely not going to reverse the lack of neighborly interactions across the U.S., this series has focused on the simple things we can do to recover and nurture community in our own contexts, rather than perhaps feeling like a fast-paced society has taken us hostage and is dragging us away from the lifestyle we want.

Here, then, are some simple ideas for reconnecting with your neighbors. Have other ideas? Or want to tell me why you think society is changing? Leave a comment, my internet neighbors.

• Host a garage sale. Invite neighbors near you to join you in hosting a garage sale at your house. Not only will you all get to spend the day together, but you’ll invite others from your street or block to stop by. Better yet? Start a neighborhood wide garage sale and create excuses for everyone to visit everyone.
• Get a paper route. Really. Maybe you never saw being a delivery boy/girl in your future, but don’t let that stop you from signing up to deliver a weekly paper. As you make your once-a-week rounds, you’ve got a great excuse to start a conversation with anyone you run into.
• Start a neighborhood play group. Pass out fliers inviting parents and their kids to a play group at the nearest local park. Bring snacks. Socialize.
• Plan an event. Memorial day, 4th of July and Labor Day are all comfortable days to invite people, even acquaintances, to barbecues. Want to do something indoors? Invite neighbors to join existing family and friends for Superbowl, New Years and other traditional yearly parties.
• Be that neighbor. Be the neighbor who brings cookies to new neighbors, who runs errands for elderly residents, who offers to look in on people’s dogs or pick up their mail when they travel.

Don’t forget to add your ideas here!

Read previous posts about the local ice cream store or cell phone addictions here.