What Recent Facebook Comments Showed Me About the Importance of Neighboring

 

A few weeks ago, Facebook “flagged” an event advertisement from me because of a “user complaint.” 

Check out the words in the ad that got the complaint: “Being an engaged neighbor can improve your neighborhood, community and your quality of life. Learn how to become an engaged neighbor and get ready to change your life. Enroll by March 17. Class is in Canvas with weekly Zoom sessions. Cost is $50 per person.”

But it really wasn’t the ban of the advertisement for our “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” class that got my attention. It was the comments posted under the class announcement.

If I ever wondered whether or not Americans have forgotten how to have compassion, care or interact appropriately and with love, some of the comments about the class remind me why this class is so vital!

Granted, a few folks “get it.” But many more need to learn it.

Heather wrote the comment on the post: “Greene County has enough people who can't mind their own business. No need for a zoom class on it.”

I politely responded: It has nothing to do with that but instead is all about relationships, making it possible to work out problems. Then there is also the “love thy neighbor” part. It all begins by learning and using the names of your neighbors. It is worth our time to reach out and learn more about our neighbors.

The part of Heather’s response that can be printed ended with: “shove off.”

Zhene commented: “Lol. Stop this stupid class. Neighbors are nosey enough.”

Stefanie asked: “Is one of the subjects how to narc on your neighbors when they have too many people in their home and not wearing mask.”

My response: "Actually, no, that would not be a topic. But how to have better neighbor relationships would be a topic."

A few others did chime in with kind words about sharing with their neighbors, watching out for others, and finding new meaning by being of service to others. 

The whole experience reminds me, again, of how self-serving and self-focused we have become. We make everything we do about our own goals, desires, and pleasure, and then we wonder why we feel lonely and how our society got so mean. 

We lack real relationships with various people, and loving your neighbors is a great place to start the process. 

Here is my advice: Delete your Facebook app, put down the phone, and walk around your neighborhood. Speak and visit with people that are out. Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. Organize a get-together in the garage or yard. And invest in those relationships.

And make it a goal to become a more engaged and active neighbor. You sure do not need Facebook to achieve that worthwhile goal.