The Mission: Borrowing A Cup Of Sugar - Ever Done That?

[Murrmurr]

History

"Borrowing from neighbors was once a commonplace practice, part of the web of relations we once had with those who lived within close range".

"In ancient times, hunting, gathering, and foraging were communal practices. And it wasn't long ago that many cultures, especially rural ones, still relied on weekly markets, traveling salesmen, and the growing of their own goods. But living in relative isolation also meant more contact with your neighbors because one of them probably provided your weekly dairy needs and another milled wheat for flour or grew pears you exchanged for apples".

"The early rise of cities meant easier access to supplies, but neighbors lived in such close quarters—think tenement buildings or row houses—that there was a constant exchange of goods and services across the yard or through criss-crossing streets. Before the rise of the big box store era, knocking on a door and asking for that extra cup of sugar or dolling out surplus tomatoes from an abundant yard garden were part of the rhythms of life".

When I lived in a small town up north nearly everyone had a veg garden. Whatever you didn't grow, it was sure someone else did. Veg exchanges between neighbors were a regular thing practically year round, and you'd always find a few jars of home-canned food on your front porch at Christmastime.

 

[Keesha]

When I lived in a small town up north nearly everyone had a veg garden. Whatever you didn't grow, it was sure someone else did. Veg exchanges between neighbors were a regular thing practically year round, and you'd always find a few jars of home-canned food on your front porch at Christmastime.

We did that . I’d exchange vegetables, flowers and baked goods with our neighbours of 24 years. It’s a nice thing to do.

 

[terry123]

We always had a garden and exchanged veggies with each other. At Christmas we always looked forward to jars of special jams, jellies and pickles from different ones. For many years before my stroke I made a special wine jelly that my friends loved. They always got a jar with their peanut butter candy in a basket with other goodies.

 

[PamfromTx]

The only 'borrowing' I remember was from a woman who lived across the street from my grandmother. This woman would come over to borrow a cup of sugar. Later, she'd return and borrow 2 or 3 eggs and she did this all morning. My grandmother always said that it was done by the woman to feed her husband. Kids would go hungry, I suppose; she cared more about feeding the man of the house. I never understood this.

That neighbor was a piece of art... according to my grandma. Always borrowing and of course, my grandma could not say no. I sometimes wonder if my grandma ever borrowed from her neighbors; I don't think she ever asked for anything. She survived with what she had.

 

[Meanderer]

 

[Meanderer]

Modern Etiquette: Does the 'cup of sugar' rule still apply?​

You've just moved into a new neighbourhood and don't know anybody. Does the "cup of sugar" rule still apply?

"Conceptually, I love the old "cup of sugar" rule, but it definitely needs updated.
This rule, which assumes it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) for one neighbor to venture over the fence to another's house to "borrow" a cup of sugar for baking, has two key benefits in befriending those next door".

"Namely, it's a reason to introduce yourself. It's tough to turn an awkward wave from 50 meters away into a friendly conversation, so going right up to a new neighbor's doorstep is a fantastic excuse to properly announce yourself as a proactive and friendly future friend".

"Also, the use of "borrow" suggests that you will reciprocate the favour at a later date. From that first meeting on, you have a base to form a friendship of sorts; one based on mutual generosity".
(Read more)

 

[Pappy]

 

[Meanderer]

 

[Murrmurr]

The only 'borrowing' I remember was from a woman who lived across the street from my grandmother. This woman would come over to borrow a cup of sugar. Later, she'd return and borrow 2 or 3 eggs and she did this all morning. My grandmother always said that it was done by the woman to feed her husband. Kids would go hungry, I suppose; she cared more about feeding the man of the house. I never understand this.

I bet your gramma knew what was up. People used to be more aware of what went on in their neighborhoods.

There were some kids in my mom's neighborhood that knocked on her door just occasionally to ask to play with my parents' little poodle (RIP Skipper). She said their family were vegetarians. The kids were white as white can get and had dark circles around their eyes, and they didn't look like happy kids except when they played with Skipper. Mom wagered they ate nothing but cans of corn and green beans.

Thing is, it wasn't like you could call the police or something. Feeding your kids canned corn isn't a crime.

 

[Meanderer]

 

[Meanderer]

 

[terry123]

My family would never borrow from people they did not know in the neighborhood. Back then for the most part everybody knew everybody and knew the condition of their kitchens. There a couple of ladies that my mother would not borrow from because she did not think they were "clean" enough.
My mother also had a beauty shop she ran from an addition built onto our house. Every Saturday there was a parade of little old ladies coming to get their hair done for church the next day. The next day they would all be scattered through out our church with same exact hair cut and style. I noticed but don't think anybody else did. Of course that was the style then.

 

[Meanderer]