From Nod and Wave to Know and Share

Knowing your neighbors doesn't mean you have to be bosom buddies. But it can increase neighborhood security and a sense of belonging.

Do you have a trusted neighbor or two to check on your house, plants, mail or pets when you're away, or to keep those newspapers from accumulating? And do you return the favor?

Can neighborhood children count on you to help in an emergency? Does anyone notice if an elderly resident hasn't been out for a few days? Do you know which car belongs to whom?

It's not about being a busybody; it's about being . . . well, neighborly.

Even homeowners associations don't guarantee neighborliness. One Loudoun County resident complained, "We do have an HOA, but it doesn't do anything except collect and hoard funds and throw a picnic -- twice since 2004 when we moved here. It has done nothing to build community where we live."

Often, it's up to individuals to be the catalysts.

Simply knocking on a door to say hello isn't always the solution. Some people are private and don't like the intrusion. For others, the timing of unexpected company may be unsettling -- the baby is sick, the house is a cluttered mess, the phone is ringing.

However, leaving a note introducing yourself -- especially to newcomers -- may do the trick.

When a new neighbor moved in a few years ago, I noticed a kayak in the garage, so I dropped off my list of favorite local paddling spots. That opened the door to a nice casual friendship.

If you're lucky enough to have a front porch or neighborhood sidewalks, you have a ready-made "meet the neighbors" environment. Enjoy your morning coffee outside, or catch up on mail and the newspaper there in the evening.

"Gardening is a great way to get to know your neighbors," said Elisabeth Higgins Null, a writer and researcher living in downtown Silver Spring. "Just admiring plants and asking for information helps."

Walking the dog -- especially a really cute dog -- guarantees some conversation. However, I can't tell you the number of times people in various neighborhoods have told me, "We know the names of every dog, but not those of their owners."