There is a community feel here in my neighborhood, which is nice. It also seems at least a little bit cliquey in the neighborhood. We're faring (sp?) okay here, but I notice people seem to walk on eggshells not to upset the balance??? Some neighbors seem to watch things pretty closely and I'm afraid there's a little gossip. I don't want to walk on eggshells or feel paranoid about upsetting the balance. I might worry too much, but while I'm outgoing enough, I've never been the super social type. So, I've got anxiety about this...hoping we fit in and stay fitting in, etc as we plan to stay a long time. Any suggestions? Is it just trying to be good neighbors? I'm probably just being a spazz about this and have this insecurity leaking over into other things. Silly, I know. I have to deal with this... Thanks.
Thanks everyone. I do know the neighbors already. It's a strange dynamic here as far as mingling is concerned. There are people exactly in our age group, along with some truly wonderful people and kids for ours to play with, BUT things can get a little sticky with socializing. Some people gossip at least a little, are paranoid about it (obviously I am a little, lol), strain to listen to conversations which is a little unnerving... Yeah, I've discussed with my husband that personal friendships here are probably a bad idea. Fortunately, we've steered clear of that. I've already seen where a friendship that developed between a group of adults over the summer is backfiring... Oy, it's not worth the aggravation. Anyhow, I do feel better being certain on how to go on from here. Thank you again!
That's funny. For a minute you were talking about this site! I have become a member of my community by joining. I joined the YMCA, a church around the corner, and the PTA. I smile and speak to the cashiers and sales people we run into. I find the more I put into it, the more I get out of it.
Be super polite and friendly to everyone, don't repeat anything you hear, never talk about anyone else, only give general information about yourself that you wouldn't mind everyone knowing, and have your real friendships outside of the neighborhood so there's no overlap or gossip about you. I live in this type of area too!
Be real. Don't be fake. Be you.
This is the mistake so many people make. Everyone is an individual and we all have something to bring to the table.
BE YOURSELF in all situations from the get go... and then you never have to worry about anything.
You can't please all the people all the time and should never waste valuable time trying to. Your gift to others is YOURSELF, not some made up person that you THINK you should be.
OH MY GOD, IT'S THE STEPFORD WIVES!!
Kidding ;)
Just like high school, hold your head high, be friendly to everyone, and don't give in to the gossip circle. Be yourself... you'll learn who's worth your time and who's not :)
It's really not worth worrying over.
all great advice. I'd just add to keep your lawn mowed. When we lived in a neighborhood both our next door neighbors were very particular of their lawns. We were not. They loved us anyway, but it did leave a feeling of anxiety whenever it got long. :)
Welcome to Suburgatory! LOL
Be nice, be yourself, don't gossip and follow the golden rule.
You'll be fine!
Why don't you organize a potluck to get to know everyone better? It just feels weird because you're the new guy....
