When I was a small child, my mother didn't go out to work. We went to school each day and on the way home called at local shops. We met lots of people from roundabout, exchanged greetings and the odd bit of news. Now we are all so rushed. Mum drops off the kids to 'Breakfast Club' and dashes off to work. She may not pick them up till 6pm. She'll have shopped online. By the time everyone is at home there is neither time or inclination to chat to neighbours. The garden may be the only private place apart from the loo!
But then so many people say they are lonely. Is this a change or are we more open about it? A neighbour of mine, now widowed, says she hates being alone and it is true we dread her cheery call because she will stay for hours. Yet it must be miserable if you feel like that. Her children are grown up and busy, the extended family far away. Perhaps people like me wouldn't long to be alone and private if we were less crowded and busy in our lives.
Regarding my back garden, I do view it as a bit of a private/personal space. I'm friendly but really do need privacy at the same time, and like another user said, I view the front garden differently - more public, so will happily chat there etc.
Its a unique relationship - being a neighbour. You may or may not get on, but you try to be amiable enough to keep things friendly. Not too friendly incase it goes out of control (unless you really get on I suppose), and not too quiet so it appears you are not interested! But at the same time, it's like family too, as you want to be able to be there for your neighbours too if they need help etc.
But anyway, lots of people are out at work all day, and when they come home, they are tired and just want some quiet time.
Posts
Regarding my back garden, I do view it as a bit of a private/personal space. I'm friendly but really do need privacy at the same time, and like another user said, I view the front garden differently - more public, so will happily chat there etc.
Its a unique relationship - being a neighbour. You may or may not get on, but you try to be amiable enough to keep things friendly. Not too friendly incase it goes out of control (unless you really get on I suppose), and not too quiet so it appears you are not interested! But at the same time, it's like family too, as you want to be able to be there for your neighbours too if they need help etc.
But anyway, lots of people are out at work all day, and when they come home, they are tired and just want some quiet time.