Today is National Good Neighbor Day! This day was created to recognize how important it is to have good neighbors and more importantly be a good neighbor yourself. Being a good neighbor is key to building a strong, thriving neighborhood!
One of the best parts of home-ownership is being part of a community which of course means being a good neighbor. Nothing is better than creating a friendship from someone who was once “just” your neighbor. Having someone close by that you can rely on and trust is truly a wonderful thing.
What makes a good neighbor?
It honestly doesn’t take much! Maybe getting their mail while they’re out of town, watching their kids or pets on date night, or even something as simple and cliche as letting them borrow a cup of sugar. The small things are the ones that blossom into a true friendship, and there really is nothing better than living next door to your best friend.
So how should you celebrate?
Do a little something for your neighbor! Chat over coffee and scones, or watch their kiddos while they’re playing outside after school. Anything to show you appreciate them and how much it means to you to have a good neighbor. Oh, and if you share your good neighbor-ness on social media make sure you use the hashtag #GoodNeighborDay
National Good Neighbor Day was created in the early 1970s by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana. In 1978, United States President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601:
“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”