Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt.
Maybe... just maybe... there is no problem at all. Maybe he's not sick, hard of hearing, a grouch, or anything at all.
Is there some sort of rule that everybody has to like everybody here? If somebody doesn't wave, or give you a big smile you have to make cookies, or a nice cake or something? How about handing him an envelope full of cash?
If he's throwing stuff on your lawn, bad-mouthing you around the neighborhood, or peeking in your window... you have a problem. Otherwise...
I have nice neighbors on both sides, across the street, and up and down the block. The guy directly across... not so much. Am I concerned? Nope... who cares? Did you like everybody at school, at work, everywhere?
On TOTV a while back a lady was upset that when riding her golf cart she waved to 75 other carts and only a few waved back... Give me a break.
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I liked your answer. It was spot on. In Vermont it takes years and years for the "locals" to accept a newcomer. No NEWCOMER goes around making cookies for the OLD LONGTIME NEIGHBORS.
Usually, it would be ONE outgoing member of the neighborhood who comes to welcome the newcomer.....and only one. Seriously, guess New England just isn't that friendly??? WE also lived in New Jersey and it was exactly the same way. People mostly keep to themselves.....until you get to know them slowly and find a common interest. Raising children together seems to do it when one is younger....school activities, etc.
One does make good friends, and neighbors who when needed will be there for you, but not the first day or month they arrive.
Maybe it's just a regional thing. Some people may want to retire to a nice sunny location but really don't want to be that sociable morning noon and night 24/7. It may just be his or her personality or shyness as one writer put it...........or, perhaps they are indeed hard of hearing or suffering from dementia in its early stages. I can see that theory. Personalities change.
As others have said......if one person doesn't seem as welcoming, there certainly appears to be many other happy villagers who would be totally opposite. So, don't sweat it. However, I would not label the person negative and unfriendly. He could just be caring for a sick spouse or feel under the weather himself...........or again, just be shy with poor social skills.