Darcy Branwyn

What do I Think Makes a good Neighbor?

Daily writing prompt
What makes a good neighbor?
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I believe a good neighbor is one that creates distance. What’s the old adage, about how strong fences make good neighbors?

I don’t think that means that they should never talk to you. A neighbor that’s aware enough to know that something might be wrong is better than being ignored altogether. I’ve had neighbors that were too involved, literally spying on me the through curtains. It was laughable, but also kinda creepy, especially when you live in a small town, and gossip gets back to you quickly.

Um, no… I’m not having a lured affair, just because I like to go to the bookstore on Wednesdays. 

People are funny like that.

That’s why I think it’s best to keep a polite distance from most of them.

Darcy Branwyn
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115 responses to “What do I Think Makes a good Neighbor?”

  1. Gangewifre Avatar
    Gangewifre

    Agreed

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    😊

    Liked by 2 people

  3. GA Red Avatar
    GA Red

    Friendly but not nosy. Willing to help when needed.

    One year, we had a large limb drop in our back yard and teenage friends of our youngest daughter offered to help clean out the limb. We were planning to give them a bit of cash when the job was done, but none of them asked for anything. When parents of two of the boys learned what they were doing, they told their sons to leave since they weren’t being paid. Sheesh! Thankfully, we were mostly finished and we gave the boys some cash anyway – they were too young to pay in beer.

    When the DH and I moved into our neighborhood, we had a lot of elderly neighbors. If a storm came through that knocked down a lot of tree limbs, we were willing to help clean up our elderly neighbors’ yards without being asked. Now that we have been in the neighborhood more than 20 years, we have noticed that our younger neighbors aren’t like we were. Most keep to themselves, but we do have one neighbor that trades off cat sitting duties.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    I commit affairs with books lol. I ordered today Middlemarch by George Eliot, Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, and In Search of Lost Time Volume 1&2 by Marcel Proust.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    LOL. Good for you. Guess you have some reading to do.

    Liked by 5 people

  6. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    I’m always reading. Lol.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yeah it is getting harder to have any contact at all. When I was a kid we’d run around all day and end up at someone’s house. Their mom would call the other moms and be like, yeah, I’m feeding your kid then I’ll send them home. That doesn’t seem to happen anymore.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yeah, same. Although anymore I do so much writing I don’t have as much time to read.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    I try to balance both. That can be difficult at times.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    It can. I’m a bit busy right now so… yeah.

    Liked by 3 people

  11. KALAGA LM JAYARAJ Avatar
    KALAGA LM JAYARAJ

    Thankyou Darcy

    Liked by 2 people

  12. KALAGA LM JAYARAJ Avatar
    KALAGA LM JAYARAJ

    Spit on. Those are on the lines of anonymity like I had said in my post. Feels like we sat to write the posts together 😂

    Liked by 2 people

  13. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar
    LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    So true

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    We’re psychic. lol

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    😊

    Liked by 2 people

  17. meditativebuddha Avatar
    meditativebuddha

    Hi, Darcy. I hope you are having a nice day. I love your writing. No matter what it is about

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thank you so much. It’s always nice to hear.

    Liked by 3 people

  19. KALAGA LM JAYARAJ Avatar
    KALAGA LM JAYARAJ

    Yeah kind of ..you could e-mail me

    Liked by 1 person

  20. KALAGA LM JAYARAJ Avatar
    KALAGA LM JAYARAJ

    Well that’s a typo lol *spot on

    Liked by 3 people

  21. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    My e-mail is on my home page if you want it.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Lynne & Ken Avatar
    Lynne & Ken

    We have Cows and Sheep as neighbours. They are the best 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  23. KALAGA LM JAYARAJ Avatar
    KALAGA LM JAYARAJ

    Absolutely

    Liked by 2 people

  24. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    That’s perfect. I always wanted to live next to a graveyard.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Dabir Dalton Avatar
    Dabir Dalton

    You should try living in a mobile home park. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I’ve never done that but I’ve known people that do. 😮

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Dabir Dalton Avatar
    Dabir Dalton

    I lived in one for 18 yrs and will live in one again.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Dabir Dalton Avatar
    Dabir Dalton

    Will never

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I don’t blame you at all. 😜

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Quite a different take from my own response today but fascinating! Makes complete sense in this day and ago to be very cautious.

    Liked by 3 people

  31. meelanborde2802 Avatar
    meelanborde2802

    i think it is someone who is nice to you

    Liked by 2 people

  32. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    I live on the top floor of a condo. The neighborhood is a small, but rapidly growing, out of the way city in Utah. I don’t fit in. My daughter is gay and I’m a happily single mother. The crazy part is, I absolutely LOVE IT!

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    Someone with a ready smile and a helping hand.

    Liked by 3 people

  34. gituchu73 Avatar
    gituchu73

    Someone who is occasionally social.

    Liked by 2 people

  35. @1942dicle Avatar
    @1942dicle

    A neighbour that serves as my alter ego (my other ‘I’). Who is wiser, and more rational than I am.

    Liked by 2 people

  36. faithandfamilyhomestead Avatar
    faithandfamilyhomestead

    A good neighbor is someone who is there for you when you need it, waves when you drive by, is happy to pass a few friendly words back and forth with you, but does not bug you or get in your business.

    Liked by 2 people

  37. ordinarilyjustme Avatar
    ordinarilyjustme

    agreed

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Silent Avatar
    Silent

    Well…haha Jesus

    Liked by 2 people

  39. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thanks. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yes. Very well put.

    Like

  41. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    LOL. So, someone that can provide stability.

    Like

  42. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yeah, but not too social. 😜

    Like

  43. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Awesome!

    Like

  44. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Well, as long as you love it, right! I haven’t been to Utah but I’ve heard it can be very conservative.

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    😊Everyone likes to be treated respectfully.

    Like

  46. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Cool. Thank you.

    Like

  47. Barney Rubble Avatar
    Barney Rubble

    ☺️🎸🎶🤪🦉😆🫡🤐🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    😮

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Barney Rubble Avatar
    Barney Rubble

    I was trying to agree without speaking… remaining a good neighbour 😹

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Ah. I get it now. You flew that one over my head.

    Liked by 1 person

  51. Barney Rubble Avatar
    Barney Rubble

    Over the cuckoo’s nest and clock too

    Liked by 1 person

  52. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Hehehe. 😜

    Liked by 1 person

  53. MsHazyBrain Avatar
    MsHazyBrain

    So so very true

    Liked by 1 person

  54. Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel Avatar
    Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel

    A good neighbor makes for a good community. When we foster positive relationships with those who live around us, we create a supportive and safe environment for everyone. Good neighbors are kind, respectful, and willing to lend a helping hand when needed. They take pride in their homes and properties, making the neighborhood a more pleasant place to live. They communicate openly, resolve conflicts peacefully, and prioritize the well-being of the community. By being a good neighbor, we can build lasting connections and contribute to the overall happiness and harmony of our neighborhood.

    Liked by 1 person

  55. roundroundcd1ac16012 Avatar
    roundroundcd1ac16012

    Doesn’t install lights that light up your neighbors yard as well. 3 neighbors with lights in my windows at night, and back yard litup. Can’t even enjoy a fire on the weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

  56. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Oh no. That sounds frustrating. 😮

    Liked by 1 person

  57. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    That sounds beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  58. Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel Avatar
    Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel

    That’s sounds like Cod’s mind

    Liked by 2 people

  59. Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel Avatar
    Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel

    Okay Author Derek, if you say so

    Liked by 2 people

  60. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Hmmmm…. Do you guys know each other?

    Liked by 3 people

  61. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    I don’t know who Benjamin is.

    Liked by 2 people

  62. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    It sounded kind of…. rude?

    Liked by 2 people

  63. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    Yes, there are novices on this app. Lol.

    Liked by 2 people

  64. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I can see that. 😏

    Liked by 2 people

  65. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    If it was a diss, I find it quite laughable.

    Liked by 2 people

  66. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I mean how do you do that when the other person doesn’t even know you from Jack?

    Liked by 2 people

  67. Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel Avatar
    Benjamin churchplanter Qemuel

    Nope Darcy

    Liked by 1 person

  68. Author Derek Avatar
    Author Derek

    Like I said, there are many novices on this app to put it politely. Lol

    Liked by 2 people

  69. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    OK. Cool.

    Liked by 2 people

  70. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    “Conservative” is a way of smoothing it over. But, even though they aren’t welcoming to this disinterested in their program, and they blindly perform whatever tasks are proposed by their prophet, I can walk the streets at night without being robbed or murdered. So, it’s pretty much a tit-for-a-tat. And believe me, the puritan smiles reminding me of the creepy movie Smile conjures up my own macabre entertainment. 😏

    Liked by 1 person

  71. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I have some relatives that are far right and they give me the same look. I’m evil after all.

    Liked by 1 person

  72. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    😂 When others coin us as “evil,” not because we do mean things—only because we don’t jump on the band wagon, doesn’t it make you quietly feel for them?

    I find it worth the trade-off of being rejected when it means I’m still allowed to vote for whomever I choose, speak how I like, and wear hairstyles that don’t involve barretts. 😂🤣😂

    Like

  73. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    They do seem frustrated and tense most of the time, and that’s no way to live. I write stories about people who would die for each other and happen to be having great sex, so I’m evil. 😜

    Liked by 1 person

  74. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    😂 Perhaps I should look into your work more closely!

    I used to be an exotic dancer—I could tell you stories! Here’s one, just for making me laugh this morning:

    He asked me to arrive as a salesman and “make myself comfortable” throughout my pitch. (This was fun ad libbing, btw.) So, I took a taxi, arrived with a briefcase, wearing a tight-fitting peacock blue silk dress that hot just below my knees. Of course, my hair was pinned up. He invited me for a sit in his living room and I began my spiel, unfastening the large buttons down the front, every so often as I complained about the heat. Finally, I said, “You don’t mind if I take this off, do you?” (They like it when you ask permission.)

    Beneath it was a laced duo bra and T-back off the same bright blue color. A black garter holding up black stockings and patent leather stilettos. I remember it was the first time I’d worn these undergarments and how pleased I was when his eyes popped. Setting it aside, I undid my hair and pushed my locks up with my hands, as if airing it out. Honestly, I expected him to water no time in relieving himself, as that’s what most did. (No sex or groping allowed.) But, that isn’t what happened at all!

    He asked me if he could carry me. (What? Today, he couldn’t!) 😁 I obliged. So, he cradled me in his arms, clad in my new and lacy underwear and heels, from room to room. At least that was his plan. First, he simply moved me around the room, setting me down and picking me up. And then, we moved into the kitchen. He set me on his table. (I guess so he could have thoughts of my butt where his plate goes—I don’t know.) And then, he picked me up again and moved me to his kitchen counter. This was it!

    I felt something hard beneath my butt and tried to adjust while we spoke. Running my hand beneath my right butt cheek, I located a small hard object and pulled it up for a clearer observation. A watermelon seed! And I was planted in a half-dry puddle of watermelon juice!

    The expression on his face was priceless as it went from “the hungriest man alive” to someone wishing he could fade away from the sexiest woman whose ever crossed is threshold. Absolutely priceless!!!

    Anyway, a couple of paper towels and some water remedied the situation. It wasn’t a big deal for me. But I always visibly smile at the guy’s $200/hour nightmare buried deep within his subconscious.

    Liked by 1 person

  75. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I haven’t finished reading yet, but I was a belly dancer…

    Liked by 1 person

  76. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    oh boy. That really happened?

    Liked by 1 person

  77. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    Oh yes!

    Liked by 1 person

  78. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    LOL. I can’t even…🤣

    Like

  79. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    The stories I could tell! Maybe I should write a book about those! 😉 (kidding)

    Liked by 1 person

  80. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Do you write any fiction?

    Like

  81. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    So interesting! So much control. I have, but has more, great stomach coordination, although not a belly dancer. I am aware of the necessary and extreme dedication. Props!

    Liked by 1 person

  82. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thank you. Yeah, I used to go to these weekend workshops where I’d take classes all day
    long… 8 hours.

    Like

  83. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    My life is actually stranger than fiction—however, I can quite easily come up with one to two stories every single day without fail. The hard part is determining which are the best to follow. Utilizing situations and memories (which I’m finally able to grasp) as driving forces behind my stories is a blessing of which I’ve been bestowed.

    My current one is for my learning group, Secret Scriveners’ Society. It’s a reinvention of a well-known fairy tale.

    What’s the most unexpected success you’ve had in writing?

    Liked by 1 person

  84. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    um… well I’ve published under a few different names and I had something go kinda viral on Amazon.

    Liked by 1 person

  85. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    Really? I’ve been considering a one-name synonym, like Madonna or Cher have done.

    What is your book about, poetry, love, sci-fi?

    Liked by 1 person

  86. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    That would be cool. It was romance.

    Liked by 1 person

  87. MJ Avatar
    MJ

    OMG, I can’t believe it says “synonym!” I even read the word “pseudonym” before I hit “reply.”

    Computers make people look stupid! 😂🤣😂🤣

    Liked by 1 person

  88. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yeah, no worries. lol

    Like

  89. Sam Biggs Avatar
    Sam Biggs

    Introvert here- a good neighbor respects privacy and personal space while not being afraid to lend a helping hand if it’s clearly needed! Wonderful post.

    Liked by 1 person

  90. WoLFNardz BlueSparkz Avatar
    WoLFNardz BlueSparkz

    RESPECT PRIVACY< CONSENT< THE WHOLE DAMN LOT, or I FOLLOW ALL AN basically take over all posts, blogs, stories, podcasts, thats invading my ass. Oh im fix btw. thanks for lying those close .. ass hats

    Like

  91. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    I’m an introvert too. And thanks.

    Like

  92. artceefartcee Avatar
    artceefartcee

    Someone who sees you outdoors working on something. Walks over to say HI and ends up there for three days, helping finish the project.

    Liked by 1 person

  93. Lia Underground Avatar
    Lia Underground

    Absolutely! I’m also an introvert and I love the neighbours that are friendly when you see them out and about, but maintain boundaries (i.e. are also respectful of my space and desire for privacy).

    Liked by 1 person

  94. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    That is the best combination.

    Like

  95. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    LOL. I think that would be too much for me, but I wish you neighbors that are that helpful.

    Like

  96. Mali Togo Avatar
    Mali Togo

    Gg

    Liked by 1 person

  97. JACKSON STILWELL Avatar
    JACKSON STILWELL

    Absolutely I think that neighbors should talk and involve each other, but not to the point of creepiness or not at all.

    Liked by 1 person

  98. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Yup. Definitely.

    Like

  99. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar
    LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 2 people

  100. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    You’re welcome, and thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  101. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar
    LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  102. wp626690 Avatar
    wp626690

    Good luck 🍀

    Liked by 1 person

  103. Elisha Mueller Avatar
    Elisha Mueller

    Informative

    Liked by 1 person

  104. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thank you!

    Like

  105. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thanks. 😊

    Like

  106. Just a woman who loves the Lord. Avatar
    Just a woman who loves the Lord.

    I agree, because I believe gossiping never leads to good, it hurts people even if it was not the intention. A polite, distant neighbor will always be better than an over-friendly neighbor who might be pretending just to get into your business and gossip.

    Liked by 1 person

  107. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Absolutely. Thanks for stopping by!

    Liked by 1 person

  108. Avatar
    Anonymous

    A good neighbor is one who helps when you need it, accepts help when they need it, and doesn’t engage in nosiness.

    Liked by 3 people

  109. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    😊😎😉 Agreed.

    Like

  110. momchairphilosopher Avatar
    momchairphilosopher

    Exactly! A friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  111. iykeunictecnology0 Avatar
    iykeunictecnology0

    Cearing for each other 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

    Liked by 1 person

  112. Jack Ronald Cotner Avatar
    Jack Ronald Cotner

    Agree!

    Liked by 1 person

  113. Darcy Branwyn Avatar
    Darcy Branwyn

    Thank you! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  114. Akshay Guna Makina🎯 Avatar
    Akshay Guna Makina🎯

    Good habit

    Liked by 2 people

  115. Jack Ronald Cotner Avatar
    Jack Ronald Cotner

    Thank you, Akshay.

    Liked by 1 person

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