— Grandpa’s Advice for a Better Life and a Better Block

Now listen here, kiddo. Life moves fast these days, but one thing that’ll never go out of style is being a good neighbor. I’ve lived in a few neighborhoods over the years—some better than others—and let me tell you, the places I remember fondest weren’t the fanciest. They were the friendliest.

Back in my day, we didn’t need a fancy app to borrow a cup of sugar. We just knocked on a door. You knew who lived next to you, what their kids’ names were, and what kind of pie they liked at Thanksgiving. There was a sense of togetherness—not because we all agreed on everything, but because we showed up for each other when it counted.

So if you’re wondering how to make your corner of the world a little better, start here:

1. Say Hello

You’d be surprised what a wave and a “good morning” can do. It costs you nothing, and it sets the tone. Don’t underestimate the power of a friendly face.

2. Lend a Hand

Notice your neighbor struggling with a heavy package or raking leaves? Don’t wait to be asked—just pitch in. Even five minutes of help can build years of trust.

3. Keep It Tidy

Take pride in your space. Mow your lawn, clean up after your dog, and don’t let your trash can live on the curb. Being a good neighbor means being respectful of the shared space, too.

4. Mind Your Volume

I love a good backyard barbecue, but when the clock strikes, turn down the music. Respect works both ways—just like a fence.

5. Watch Out for Each Other

When someone’s out of town, keep an eye on their place. Bring in their packages. Water their plants. It’s not about being nosy—it’s about being neighborly.

At the end of the day, being a good neighbor isn’t complicated. It’s about treating people the way you’d like to be treated. Golden Rule kind of stuff. If you wouldn’t want loud parties at 1 a.m., don’t throw one. If you’d love someone to shovel your sidewalk after a snowstorm, go ahead and do theirs first.

Trust me—being the kind of neighbor you’d want next door doesn’t just make life better for others. It makes life better for you too.

Now go say hi to someone today. You never know what kind of friendship might be waiting right across the fence.