Living in an apartment community offers the opportunity to love your neighbors like nowhere else! In an apartment, you have the benefit of daily proximity with dozens, if not hundreds, of people who are wired for belonging. The need to be known runs deep, but that doesn't mean it comes easily even when you're surrounded by neighbors you interact with every day. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health emergency. Apartment living, when approached with intentionality, offers a unique solution to the problem of isolation that so many experience.
While life can be busy, small, simple acts of care can make a significant impact on our neighbors. Loving your neighbor doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of belonging. Here are some easy ways to show kindness and create a warm, connected community where you live.
Learn Their Name
You probably recognize quite a few faces in your community. That neighbor you run into at the mailbox once a week, that person you always see at the gym, the neighbor who walks her dog at the same time every morning - but do you know their name? What would it look like to intentionally learn and remember the names of the people you cross paths with on a regular basis? Here's an easy way to start: make a map of the apartment units on your hallway and take the first step by learning as many of those names as you can. When you see those people around the community, offer a smile and a personal greeting. One of the simplest but most powerful ways to love our neighbors is simply by acknowledging them and taking the time to learn their name.
Surprise a neighbor with a kind note on their door or in the mailbox. Whether it’s an encouraging message, a thank-you for something they’ve done, or just a wish for a great day, a small gesture of kindness can be the highlight of someone's week. An easy way to be prepared is by simply keeping a stack of blank note cards at home. When you find out that a neighbor has a special occasion coming up, or is going through a rough time, grab a notecard and take a minute of your day to let them know you're thinking of them. Doing this often is a surefire way to take your neighbors from acquaintances to friends.
