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What is given...

Today's proverb is, "What is given to a neighbour is not lost."

I don't know my neighbours. Do you?

According to this article, many people are too busy to bother socializing with our neighbours and only talk to them to ask favours of them. One of my neighbours believes there is a thief on my floor, so I wouldn't even want to ask a neighbour to accept a parcel or water plants for me.

I think part of it is the fast-paced culture we live in that affords us little time for recreation. How many people today simply want to get home from work and watch Netflix or hang out on a deck/patio with people they know they like?

Some, like me, may be legitimately busy between multiple activities. I don't want to draw attention to my busy schedule given the thief. I don't know there is a thief for sure, but I don't really want to find out whether or not it's true. The neighbour that told me that is a generally negative person with a sad outlook on life. That said, I don't like to be around negativity if I can avoid it, so I don't want a deeper relationship with that neighbour.

After spending all day at work forced to do things you often don't agree with, why wouldn't you want to come home and finally be doing exactly what you want to be doing with your loved ones. Inviting other people into your life changes it and may mean less time to do things you want to do. Not everyone likes change. Some people are terrified of change. Some have had too much change in recent times to be ready to handle more. Some LOVE change. We've all had those people that latch onto us though.

On the plus side, you may find a new friend that is awesome too. You may find someone that really gets you. It's also good to have people to hang out with that are close by when winter comes, so you don't have to travel in bad weather to have fun and it can be comforting to have a friend nearby in stormy times.

Back to the proverb, "What is given to a neighbour is never lost." I value independence. Taking from others isn't being independent. Asking for help when you are incapable of achieving on your own is something I agree with, but constantly running to someone else when you are capable is lazy.

Sharing is awesome, but how many people have lent a neighbour something only to never see it again?

The spirit of this proverb, I believe, is that in giving to a neighbour you enrich your community. There are many ways to improve your community without taking this proverb overly literal. Find something that works for you and do it. When my novel is done, I'm hoping to donate a portion of what I make on it to a charity. I better get to finishing it!

Ciao,
R~
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