These days it’s more important than ever to be a good neighbor. There are places where I’ve lived in the past where I didn’t even know my neighbors name. I know that sounds ridiculous but it’s true. I am fortunate enough now to live in an area where not only do I know my neighbors but I like them.

Some of the reasons why it’s important to be a good neighbor are simple.

· They may take in your mail and paper for you while you’re away.

· They look out for your home when you’re on vacation and notify you if there is anything suspicious.

· You can always borrow that cup of sugar that you need or that occasional egg on a Sunday morning when you just don’t feel like driving to the store.

Those are the obvious reasons but more importantly, being a good neighbor just makes you feel good. My neighbor recently had knee surgery and I’ve taken out his trash for the last three weeks. He mows my lawn for me in the summers so it’s a win win. One night my car ran out of gas and who did I call? My neighbor was there with a gallon of gas in no time.

We even run community yards sales in our neighborhood which not only bring us closer together but help us raise money and get rid of stuff in the process.

If you have ever lived next to bad neighbors you may take the good ones for granted. It’s not until you move away from your college partying neighbors all night who leave beer cans in the yard or the neighbor who lets their grass grow to three feet tall that you really appreciate the good ones who are quiet, keep their lawn trimmed and yard clean.

If you have an elderly or infirmed neighbor take a moment to see what they need. They may have family members but perhaps the family members cannot get their every day. Shovel their driveway for them, run to the store, maybe they need to mail a letter. These things make for wonderful neighbors and some of these neighbors may turn into being lifelong friends.