Over the last 15 months we have missed only a handful of Wednesday night dinners, and most of which because of the move. Last night I served a spread of Indian cuisine that I think went over pretty well. We had a full table and the pleasure of welcoming a couple of our new neighbors onto our home.
I got to thinking about how well we already know some of our neighbors; which after a few weeks is better than we ever knew any of our neighbors in Marion. Now, I could sit here and talk about the predominant suburban mindset of privacy and independence, but I have to also acknowledge and admit that we are also to blame. It shouldn’t have taken moving to the SE side for us to be so intentional about getting to know the people next door and in our neighborhood.
There is something to say though for the mindset that is very different in this neighborhood. People are more open to relationship, they are more available and open about who they are. The streets are lively and you won’t drive far without seeing crowds of people hanging out on their stoops and porches. (He) says he likes it down here better because people are less fake. Even in the suburbs people have problems, they just aren’t as apparent as the ones of those who live in the hood. Even in the suburbs there are lonely people, they just often prefer to remain so privately to uphold an image whereas down here, people are literally out looking for relationship.
I regret not getting to know our neighbors in Marion. It’s great to “go on mission” but it doesn’t make any sense to be living right next door to people we don’t even know.
