Something has changed in the way Americans relate to the people next door. If you ask anyone over the age of 40, they’ll likely tell you that neighbor relationships aren’t what they used to be. Decades ago, neighbors borrowed cups of sugar, watched each other’s kids, and spent time chatting on porches. Today, many of us don’t even know the names of the people who live a few steps away. While some still long for a more connected neighborhood life, others have settled into a quieter arrangement defined less by social relationships and more by etiquette: be quiet and leave me alone . So what happened? People love to speculate. Some blame air conditioning for pulling us indoors. Others point to suburban design—homes with small or missing front porches, or privacy fences that form barriers more than boundaries. Some mention garage doors that shut before we even wave hello. Others cite the rise in screen time, longer work hours, two-parent working households, or the transient nature of moder...

  In a world where people are more digitally connected than ever, loneliness continues to grow as a silent struggle affecting people of all ages.  Amber Allen, a human development and family science specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, is determined to change that trend. Through her work in human development and social connection, she emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming loneliness and building stronger, healthier neighborhoods. "People hear the word loneliness and think it’s going to be a gray rain cloud," Allen said during a presentation on Neighboring 101 in March of 2021. "But today, I want to talk about how to make the sun shine in your neighborhood by forming real social connections." Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation Allen explained that loneliness and social isolation, though related, are not the same. "Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact," she...