One of my close friends (a couple) used to live near me. Near enough for a short bus ride for me to crash their place or last minute meet up for a casual meal.
Being introverts, it helped that hanging out together wasn’t consuming our social energy, so we were ok to meet up semi-frequently.
Later on, they moved a farther bus ride away. This meant the last minute meet ups significantly decreased.
The spouse asked if we should move into the same apartment block as them, which resulted in them going, “you’re crazy. You can’t follow us moving around.”
Today, I attended a co-crafting / co-working session at a now in-person friend’s, previously Instragram friend, house. She opened attendance to the public, so I invited two friends who lived nearby-ish to join. A fifth person who saw the invite online, joined too.
As we all sat peacefully around the living and dining space, quietly crafting, doing work, occasionally breaking out into chatter, I realised that this was something I had been missing in my life. The chatter with neighbours.
Some of us brought items that we wanted to give away, one offered to share flour that she bulk bought, and another joyfully accepted. I recommended a mushroom and vegetables online shop, asking if anyone was interested to bulk buy, count me in. In the offers, we learned more about each other’s interests and lives.
It felt so neighbourly.
I felt so grateful. For the people and the space that came together.
What a beautiful two hours.
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