Everyday Canvas

Being Good Neighbors and Friends

For "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" 

Prompt: What does it mean to be a good neighbor?

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About a month ago, about two streets away from where I live, a neighbor killed another neighbor and his eleven-year old daughter because the murderer’s Pitbull had bitten someone and the victims’ family took him to court.
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/authorities-to-re...

Although this is an extreme case, being responsible for one’s pets and rowdy children has to be the rule one for being a good neighbor.

Then, abiding by community rules, obeying parking restrictions and etiquette, keeping to the trash and recycling schedules and landscaping requirements, and being friendly and helpful when and if needed should follow.

Should there be a conflict, using tact rather than harsh words and actions is very important. A good neighbor, also, offers help when needed or asked, but doesn’t impose his ideas on the others.

As a bonus, being friends with a neighbor has its many advantages. Block parties and just calling a few people over for coffee may help foster good relationships as well.

For: "Space Blog" 

Prompt: From An apple a day.... ’s "The Dragonfly and the Ladybug" 
“Good friends will always look out for each other no matter what.”

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What I don’t agree with, here, is the “no matter what” phrase in the sentence. I am not going to look out for someone who is planning a terrorist act on my country. I am not going to look out for someone who sells or bakes or makes drugs from his home. I am not going to stand by someone who is the perpetrator of domestic violence be it on the spouse or his/her children.

Some people can be good friends and may have done favors for me, but if they are perpetrating the above acts or others like them, I will not look out for them, “no matter what.”

Having said all that, with most of my friends, I aim to be trustworthy and trusting of them. I listen when they want to unburden. I am supportive of them in good or bad times. I try not to be a burden to them if I am going through a bad time myself. Then, whenever I can, to the best of my ability, I help my friends if I feel they need my help.

This is because integrity and trustworthiness come first, in any friendship.