There are a number of signs that point to getting old(er). Grey hairs, aching joints, wrinkles. Except I don’t have wrinkles because #asiangenes! Greys, definitely. But that’s another story.
A change I didn’t expect is my sudden urge to be friendly. Usually as you get older you become less friendly, or rather, you tolerate less bullshit so basically you cut out the bullshitters ie most of your “friends” during your 20s. And it’s not like I want to be friendly with just anyone, but for the first time in my life, I actually want to be friends with all of my neighbours.
I survived extremely well through my 20s and early 30s not knowing any neighbours. We lived in apartments where we shared the better part of four walls with all these random people. And yet the goal in life was pretty much to not run into each other and if you’re all set to go out and as you’re about to leave you hear them about to leave their apartment, you freeze on the spot, hold your breath and wait for them to go before you slowly ease out of your cubbyhole and continue on like you didn’t just act like a kindergarten-aged child.
Worst case scenario: they also hear you and then it’s a waiting game.
Even worst case scenario: you think they’re gone but they’re just stealthy and when you emerge from your door, they’re still there. Small talk ensues.
Anyway, since moving to our current home, I’ve actually loved getting to know our neighbours. It helps that we all have young kids so we bond over mundane conversations about sleep and milk and food and the cutest little girls sandals and basically, what my life is all about. I even liked getting to know our neighbours who were three early 20s guys who worked the club scene! Added bonus: they were actually really nice and since they were out all night they rarely partied at home, and oh, one also repped hair products so you know, it’s all good.
Well, the guys are gone and new neighbours have just moved in right next door. I did a little happy dance when I found out they had a baby (because, bonding) and I’ve done something I’ve never ever ever done before.
I baked them walnut fudge brownies (recipe here). They’ve gotta like me now.