There must be 50 ways to meet your neighbours

Wildwood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/04/2025 (205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A friend once remarked on how many of my Wildwood neighbours I knew. Aware that I’m the polar opposite of gregarious, she wanted to know how I had done it.

Reflecting upon it, I realized there must be 50 ways to meet your neighbour. If you immediately started singing, I promise this article will not rhyme.

For the others, here’s how I met them:

1. Displayed public incompetence by attempting to pound the stake of a wind chime into my lawn. Epic fail. A passing stranger took pity on me and did it for me. New friend.

2. Asked a truly gregarious person to work in my yard. They befriended every passing person, leading to a party on my lawn.

3. Planted flowers incorrectly. A friendly person with a botany degree walked by and helped.

4. Walked my dog. Soon my dog befriended another, causing me to befriend their human. Repeated daily.

5. Walked my rabbit in a stroller. People flocked. However, I will forever be known as the ‘rabbit lady’.

6. Cheered Manitoba marathoners running down my street at an ungodly hour. I bonded with neighbours over feelings of guilt and inadequacy as we ate donuts.

7. Attended a bear watching event. A neighbour posted on Facebook: Bear in Tree. So I thought a cat named Bear was in a tree. No, it was an actual bear, in a tree, down the road. I viewed said bear with dozens of other onlookers and made friends over the novelty.

8. Wandered the streets during a power blackout. I met a lovely person I subsequently saw repeatedly out walking. We no longer pass each other silently as we had previously.

9. Watched an eclipse. This summer’s eclipse was a rare phenomenon that I watched from a field in Wildwood. I broke the ice over the miracle of nature, especially since I did not bring my own viewing glasses.

I could list more, but volunteering is always a sure-fire method to meet your neighbours. Wildwood residents can read about opportunities in the Wild & Woodsy.

Options include: organizing and or attending events such as picnics and New Year’s celebrations, planting trees, maintaining the rink, working in the canteen, helping with Jackrabbits hockey or mini-soccer, joining the board, or participating in groups such as the children’s play group or the men’s shed. Volunteering helps your neighbourhood and can foster lifelong friendships.

How did you meet your neighbours?