Awkwardly Meet Your Neighbors. It's Worth It.

I recently moved (about a mile down the street). We needed more space, we’re preparing for multi-generational living, and yada-yada-yada. While the negatives of moving abound, there’s this refreshing energy that comes with it—a spirit of newness, even though I’m still seeing the same people at the same parks and playgrounds.

The difference? Instead of a polite conversation and a quick goodbye, I’m pulling out my phone to text them our family roster:

“Hi! I’m Steve. My wife is Nancy. Leigh is 4. Will is almost 1½. Great to meet you!”

We’ve decided this is the house we’re going to raise our kids in, spend 20 years in, all of that overplanning life stuff that maybe happens, but probably doesn't. Still, one of our goals for the next two decades is to have great relationships with our neighbors. My parents did that, and it’s clear it added so much to their lives—and mine as a kid.

It’s early days (we’ve only been here 2ish weeks), but this mentality feels good. Life runs in cycles: good & bad, tired & inspired, helping others & needing help yourself. When the positive cycles hit, you’ve got to lean in. Try to make it a habit.

I still feel like a little kid when I ask for someone’s number—like I’m awkwardly asking them to be my friend—but as I walk away toward the next thing—dinner, swim lessons, or a last-minute grocery run—it feels right.

I wish I hadn’t waited to do this. I wish I’d done it early and often. It’s so clear now that the people who do are so far ahead.