Dealing with young neighbors or neighbors, period.

Some people talk just to hear themselves. That may be Joanie.
That might be , and I wonder if I recorded her if she would be shocked. I could never do that we have known her since she was a teenager, I was a mother figure to her and love her as if she was mine. In person she is not so nutty, and she used to be intelligent too. now she does not seem to have the intelligence she once had.
 

Blah. People inserting themselves into the life of someone else then criticizing and gossiping about them. 👍
I agree, it wasn't gossip at all. I believe the OP was a tad surprised at the reaction of the neighbor, since he was attempting to be friendly and hoping in his own way to lend a hand to the fellow. Sometimes it helps to get another perspective on it, that's all.
 
But, we are not young any more and the generations have attitudinal changes.
They really have. I've noticed they are very reluctant to engage in any sort of random chit-chat. There was a time when I could go to the store and remark out loud that these strawberries smelled great and whoever was standing close to me would agree, or say they were going to make jam, or something. Now I've noticed if the person is young they look a little frightened and scuttle away to talk about me into their cellphone. I blame the phones, they may help one stay connected to friends and family, but they put up an isolating barrier with strangers.
 
I would chit chat with other ladies waiting in a long line at the grocery store sometimes. It was a good way to pass the time. But now I don't even bother if it's a younger person because they always seem distracted, either on the phone, messing with kids, or just generally staring right past me not wanting to make eye contact. It's like they don't want to get "trapped" into a conversation.

As far as neighbors, the only ones I talk to are pretty much my age. The younger ones are hard to get to know since they stay cooped up in their houses or hop in their cars and take off somewhere. Not so much as a neighborly wave. I've even had them turn their backs to avoid even saying hello when I'm outside gardening.

I think the younger generation is growing increasingly detached from participating in the real world.
 
I live far enough away from my neighbors that it's not really an issue. We all wave to each other when we see each other on the county road with one exception, and I figure that's her problem. There is a couple down the road with two, tween daughters, that I visit occasionally, as I new there parents for many years who have both passed on, and there son since he was small boy. Very nice folks, and the girls are such an exception to most kids I see today. Don't think they have phones, and they spend most of their time on 4-H farm projects, horses, cows, and other critters. Have them them over several times during the summer for barbecue and cocktails. I think most folks who live out of town, and the suburbs, do so because they like their peace and quiet, and tend to be a little less outgoing, but we all did a little human interaction from time to time.
 
Luckily, I have no problems with any of my known neighbors, old or young. There are occasional waves throughout. There are five I could count on for assistance in an emergency and vice/versa. The others I've never met.
 
Autism has many levels of severity & also many types. Your friend probably has a milder form of Autism.
Maybe plain ole loneliness at severe levels since she is stuck inside she has no new news.
 

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