The definition of who counts as a neighbor can vary widely. For example, neighbors can include those folks who live in our neighborhood (obviously), in our community, our state, or even our country. But as a lifelong Michigander, I can confidently say that most of us consider Canada our friendliest neighbor.
On the western side of Canada, when wildfires broke out in California, Canadian firefighters were there to be helpful neighbors. They assisted the United States firefighters in tackling the intense wildfires as California needed the help.
In fact, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, “This cross-border support is made possible through a long-standing agreement between the United States and Canada, first established in 1982. This crucial partnership is rooted in shared landscapes, common challenges, and a mutual commitment to protecting lives, property, and natural resources.
Resources that were mobilized to Canada include airtankers, firefighting crews, complex incident management teams (CIMTs), and overhead staff.
In January 2025, Canadian resources supported suppression efforts in Southern California with two airtankers from Quebec, two crews and two overhead personnel from Alberta, and one crew and one overhead personnel from British Columbia,”.
If that doesn’t show neighborly love, I don’t know what does!
Above all, the Golden Rule should include these actions: Communicate respectfully. Be considerate. Be respectful. Welcome those who are different than you. Basically, above all else, if you have nothing to contribute to the community, at the very least, don’t contaminate it with negative energy, trashy, inconsiderate behavior, bullying the vulnerable, or unkindness toward those less fortunate.
I liked this list from India Times about seven golden rules to follow with neighbors, which states, “Residing within a community comes with the significance of cultivating positive and functional ties with our neighbors. The dynamic we establish with those living nearby bears substantial influence on the overall quality of our communal existence. In absence of family or friends, our neighbors are also our first cry of help.
- Mutual Respect
- Noise
- Gossiping
- Communicate well
- Offer assistance
- Cleanliness
- Introduce yourself,”.
What are some examples of good neighbors?
Canada has certainly shown it can be a wonderful neighbor, both on the east side bordering states such as Pure Michigan, Minnesota, or New York, as well as side on the western side bordering other states like Washington, Oregon, or California.
Here are some other examples of what good neighbors do:
- Keep landscaping, yards, and trees trimmed, clean, and beautified, removing overgrown foliage, diseased trees, shrubs, etc.
- Maintain your property grounds, keeping them free of rubbish, non-working vehicles or tools, infectious pests or rodents, garbage, etc.
- Do safety/well checks on elderly neighbors; offer to help with tasks or repairs
- Keep your noise levels respectful
- Wave hello!
- Keep pets safe by staying on your own property; make sure their waste is cleaned up and not on other neighbors’ property or communal areas; ensure dogs are trained, up to date on shots and licensing, do not have excessive barking issues, are not aggressive to other neighbors, their pets, or children, and at the very least, behave respectfully in the neighborhood on walks or while in their yard as people walk by
- Do not house an excessive number of pets
- Keep home up to date, up to code, and maintained properly
- Be kind and courteous
- Host block parties and getting-to-know-you parties with a potluck menu
- Do not leave personal items in shared community spaces
- Be helpful when applicable (jump-start a neighbor’s vehicle, shovel an elderly neighbor’s walkway and driveway, tow in a neighbor’s boat if it breaks down on the lake, etc.).
How to meet your neighbors
We meet our neighbors because of either close proximity, similar interests, at the local market, places of worship, clubs, sports leagues, town halls, restaurants, property disputes, the community center, doing yard work, starting a home construction project, or, if you live in areas where I live, we simply meet them on the lake.
Then there are the times when we can come together with our neighbors over a natural disaster that struck the neighborhood, a severe storm while cleaning up the fallen tree branches (just did that last week!), or while helping each other during a power outage after a massive thunderstorm in Michigan or a hurricane in Florida.
Of course, there are numerous ways to meet and get to know our neighbors, but let’s see what the experts have to say.
Folks over at The Hopeful Neighborhood Project suggest how to meet your neighbors, “Without further ado, here is my simple guide to meeting your neighbors.
- Spend time outside.
It is difficult to meet neighbors from inside your home or behind a privacy fence, so it’s important to make spending time outside of walls and fences a priority.
- Deliver a homemade treat to someone who just moved to your block.
Include a simple note of welcome and add your name with basic contact information. A few months ago, new tenants moved into the house next door. I made them a loaf of bread (I use this simple no-knead recipe) and delivered it warm from the oven on their first night in their new home.
- Find neighborhood groups on social media and start an introduction thread.
A great way to make connections in your neighborhood is through social media. This is a particularly helpful approach if you have accessibility issues or social anxieties that complicate spontaneous conversations.
- Attend a neighborhood organization meeting or local social event.
Many neighborhoods have organizations that meet throughout the year, along with doing special annual events. These opportunities will vary based on your context,”.
Although my health is much better off because I quit, when I was a smoker and smoking outside in my driveway, out of sight and away from my sons, I got to meet so many neighbors. My home is at the end of the street, on a corner lot, and while standing in my driveway, I got to chat with folks walking by on their way to the small-town local grocery store (literally three houses down from me) or walking their dogs.
What is the golden rule for neighbors?
In conclusion, being a good neighbor is simple: show respect, offer help, communicate kindly, and contribute to a safer, stronger, more welcoming community for everyone.
