Tuesday, July 21, 2009

What would you do?

Garth and I recently moved to a new apartment and don't know any of our neighbors. At our old apartment complex we didn't know any of our neighbors, but we had no desire. The lady next door had no teeth and the guys across the hall were druggies. But our neighbors at our new place seem normal, even fun.
I came back from a run and met one of our neighbors - she dressed like me and looked to be the same age. I think we could become BFFs but all we have exchanged are pleasantries. So Garth and I got to talking and were thinking about having all our neighbors over for drinks and apps, but we have this fear that no one will show up. What do you think we should do? Have you done this to meet your neighbors? Or been invited to something similar?

56 comments:

ELP said...

I have never done anything like that but I think it seems like a great idea.

Jon and Steph said...

Hmmm, I think it's a great idea! Why not... it's definitely a great way to get to know the people living around you and who knows, you could have life long friends out of this. I say do it ;)

That's What She Said said...

This is the first time I've really lived where I don't know anyone. On one side of us, our neighbors are old, but friendly. We just say hi when we are outside.

The other neighbors are young (and attractive). The husband is super nice...the wife, super stuck up. So we just say hi outside too.

I say invite them over. If no one shows, worse case scenario is you and Garth have drinks and apps. :)

Jules said...

I have never done that, but I think it would be very nice. You seem outgoing and friendly and I am sure that plenty of the new neighbors would come!

Perfectly Imperfect said...

I would say it would be a great idea! But what do I know?! I've lived in our house for 3 years and still just wave at my neighbors occasionally!!

Kensi said...

Do it! You have nothing to lose. If it would make you feel better about the possibility of no one showing up, invite close friends or family also...

JennyLee said...

I say why not go for it!

Newlywed Next Door said...

Do it! The worst that happens is that no one comes. But chances are that at least couple of people will come. We did one of these for our building last month and it was great!

tootie said...

I think you should go for it! Even if only one other couple shows up, they could end up being your good friends!

- Sarah :-) said...

Well, think about it like this - if no one shows up, you don't lose anything, but a little pride, AND you can make up for that by eating all the food yourself!! It soudnsl iek a win-win to me. :-P

Our neighbors did something similar, not us, and we met everyone that way. It was awesome! Mainly because it's not just about meeting you, but about meeting everyone else... I say it's a great idea!

Hailey HRH said...

that sounds like a fun idea! why not? i have never been to anything like that - but then again i have never been invited. go for it!

Megan said...

I have always wanted to do something like this, I say go for it! You have nothing to lose! If you do it let us know how it goes.

Brown Girl said...

Sure why not, I'd be friends with our neighbors but all they ever come outside to do is smoke. I say go for it!

Sarah Louise said...

Go for it! I would probably suggest though that you knock on people's doors and hand deliver the flyer/invite because I am one of those people that would not show up otherwise. PLUS, that will give you another opportunity to meet people if they are unable to attend.

Happiness Is... said...

I think sometimes making small talk can lead to bigger conversations and then "we should get together sometime" - it's always awkward to make the first move, but it can be worth it.

We socialized a ton with our neighbors in Arizona, and they ended up being weird. At both of our houses in NOLA, though, we've loved our next door neighbors (we've been living in half of a shotgun).

One can always use more friends, so it can't hurt to extend the invitation!

THE Stephanie said...

I say go for it! You never know unless you try. Sometimes you have to take risks... and maybe everyone is is thinking the same thing, you know? I think you should def. hand deliver the invites though, so can meet them in person ahead of time.

Let us know how it turns out. :)

Jen McCrady said...

we feel the same way about our neighbors on our street! i saw some new neighbors moving in and i desperately wanted to go bring them cookies to welcome them but ryan said "who knows what kind of people they are!" so... i'm not much help. i'm ALL for meeting the neighbors though.

Anonymous said...

I think this is a great idea, and perhaps should do it myself!

Brandi said...

I think that is a great idea and I would go for it! Like someone else said.. if no one shows up, well you have drinks and apps for the two of you.

I went through that when I moved into my neighborhood. It was mainly families and here I was a single girl in a house. So I was also scared to really meet anyone. My hubby moved in and now we know all the neighbors. haha if he sees anyone outside he yells hi or walks over and always talks to them. Now I catch myself doing it too. We have a great neighborhood relationship now and we have both said how much we will miss it once we ever decide to move.

Shannon Dew said...

Have them over! I think that's a great way to break the ice! I wish our neighbors would have done that when we moved in!

Taryn said...

I am not the person to ask- we have lived here three years and know no one. But that sounds like fun to me!

Brittany Ann said...

Totally do it! And if they don't show up, well, more for you! (I get scared about this stuff, too, but if you get even one friend out of it, it will totally be worth it!)

Unknown said...

When my sister moved to a new place with her new husband, they invited a few neighbors over for a small cocktail party and totally kicked it off with one of the couples. I say go for it!

Tara Gibson said...

i think its a great idea!

SnoWhite said...

sounds fun! I love meeting good neighbors :)

Unknown said...

Go for it! We did this when we moved into our apartment and it turned out great. We got to know everyone and made some nice friendships.

Ginger said...

I thinkg that sounds like fun. We're kind of like you were in your last apartment our neighbors kind of scare us.

5th Belle Avenue said...

This is 100% what we did!! I completely understand your hesitation because it wouldn't be fun if no one showed up, but even if ONE person shows, that is one more friend than you have now. We moved into our last apartment right before the superbowl and went around casually inviting people over before hand for some apps and drinks. People felt free to stop by and leave early if they wanted. It was a lot of fun! One of the couples we met that night we are still friends with to this day and visit frequently. Good luck and have fun! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Carissa McBurney said...

I've never done this, but what if you take an invitation on a small plate of cookies or something to the neighbors. With the small gift, they know you are truly interested in getting to know them. I think this is a great idea! :)

Newlywed Hostess said...

I vote that you should most definitely do it. Just think of the possibilities of people you can meet and how they might end up being someone who make a difference in your life. I know that it is scary to stick your neck out and make a decision like that but just pray about it and God will lead the way.

Sarah Wyland said...

I say go for it. If people know it's your effort to meet them, they'll likely come, especially if they're cool like the woman you've already met.

If the worst happens, you'll at least have lots of yummy food to pig out on!

Justine said...

That sounds fun! I wish I could do that, but I'm too scared! Haha. Here we didn't really have the opportunity, but after The Move, I'm hoping to get to know our neighbors.

Girl Meets Beau said...

The Mr. and I were wondering the same thing about our neighbors. We have several young couples on our street and I just know that we are future BFF's, but I think we need a couple more meetings! I think apps and drinks sounds like a great idea. I might have to try that one myself :)

Preppy Southern Sister said...

We are going through he same thing. We just moved about 4 weeks ago and have only done the Hi when we have walked passed our neighbors. I say go for it and we will do it too!

Amy Lynn said...

What about planning a get-together with existing friends, and mentioning to your neighbors that you are having a little get-together and would love it if they would stop by too! That way, you will have entertainment no matter what and hopefully your new neighbors will come on over when they see how much fun you are having!

Annie said...

I think it's a good idea! Esp if your neighbors seem similar to you two. Sounds like fun!
All of our neighbors are totally different than us or single, never leave their house type people. We just give the friendly waves as we go by.

LyndsAU said...

i think that's a great idea!! great way to meet people!

Erin said...

I agree with an earlier commentor - maybe invite a few friends over, too? That will help curn the awkwardness, because your neighbors probably already know each other - so it's a little more even.

But definitely reach out - they SHOULD have already done that FOR you!

Unknown said...

I say go for it they are probably thinking the same thing. Some of our best friends live right down the road.

Good luck!

KellyV said...

I say do it! I really want to do the same thing for our condo complex, but invite everyone and do it around the pool/common area - my husband says no ... I'm thinking I'll team up with one of the wives I know and get it going :) Good luck!

Unknown said...

I think you should do it! If no one shows up, you can turn up the TV really loud so as people walk by they think there is a crowd. HAHA!!!

People will come, and I think it would be really fun!

Shanny said...

Yeahh go for it! Why not?

Aartee said...

sounds like a good idea and at worst you guys will have fun just the two of you!

Anonymous said...

I feel like we're all having the same idea! We've been here a year and only casually wave at our neighbors... maybe we will all be inspired if you do it!

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

If I were your neighbor...I'd come! What's the worse thing that could happen? If no one shows it wasn't meant to be and you get to have drinks with the hubs.

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

You should definitely do it. If they don't come, then that seals the deal that they weren't meant to be friends. But, they will come. I feel it. =)

Miss Jody said...

Ah ya you should do it.

Cuz I never would.

Your a brave soul! EEKK!!

I'm excited to see what happens. Some things I have alot of nerve. But some things......nope. can't do it.
I hope you find BFF's out of this! :)

The Hnou Mrs. said...

That might turn out to be really fun! :) You can invite some of your already-friends-friends to share in the fun just so your neighbors won't feel like "oh, we're the only ones going?" and then feel weird about showing up... and also, even if your neighbors don't come over, at least your drinks and apps won't go to waste :)

What's the worst that can happen?

Shoshanah said...

I think I'd be afraid to actually do it, mainly because I'd be afraid no one would show up. But I do think its a great idea to get to know your neighbors. Good Luck!

Holly said...

Sounds like a good idea. I'd do it!

Shoeaddict329 said...

Have you seen any of your other neighbors? Who would you invite, the whole hall or just the people next to you? Maybe you could initiate more conversation with her next time...or just send out invitations to come over! lol...either way, I wouldn't worry, you two are so friendly, you're guaranteed to become great friends with those who live around you!!!

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

My mom has done something like that in the past. She had a scrapbook party and invited all the neighborhood ladies. Quite a few went!

Q, La, and Gooner said...

I think it is a great idea! It always pays to know your neighbor...they will look out for you!

Cristina said...

I think it's a great idea, knowing your neighbours is really important

Lucky in Love said...

I suck at this...but long to have neighbor friends. I would maybe make them some little treat so you have a reason to go over there....and then invite them over for the party after some introductions. If no one comes, at least you tried, right?

I hope it works out for you!

Sassy Engineer said...

I think having everyone over is a great way to meet them! We have only talked to some young couples on our street when passing by, but I think we might have a cookout to get to know people better too. I love knowing my neighbors, and the ones right next to us are great (just more like parents than friends). Good luck, and let us know how it goes!