The sad reality is that the fabric of society is changing: fewer and fewer people know their neighbors — who they are and what they do. Take the United States as an example. In 2018, Pew Research conducted a study with shocking conclusions. The findings show that less than a third — only 31% — of Americans know who their neighbors are. Unbelievable, I know. This number changes quite a bit if you go to the countryside (where 40% know who all or most of their neighbors are) and to urban neighborhoods (a mere 24% know the people living next to them). Ironically, it looks like the closer your neighbors live to you, the less well you know them.

Meanwhile, the New York Post writes that two out of every three millennials feel as though they don’t belong to the local community in which they live. Fortunately, around 69% stated that they wish things would be different, so perhaps there’s some hope for youngsters yet.

If you’re scared of getting to know your real neighbors, why not send your ‘number neighbor’ a friendly greeting, and let us know what kind of unexpected reply you get? Only remember to stay safe and not give out any important personal information. And if you want to read about wholesome neighborhood goodness, check out Bored Panda’s post about the teachings of everyone’s beloved Mr. Rogers.