Chat Time 47 - Neighbours behind the doors

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Questions

1. Do you agree that nowadays the relationship between neighbours is not as close as it used to be?
   Absolutely. In the past, neighbours were as close as relatives, and this led to a lot of mutual understanding. But nowadays, people are becoming increasingly isolated from their neighbours and they know very little about their neighbours.  

2. What affects the relationships between neighbours?
   Mutual respect and mutual understanding can establish friendly neighbour relationships while conflicts and lack of interactions may worsen neighbour relationships.  

3. What activities can be held to promote a good neighbourhood and mutual support in the community?
   More community involvement and social activities can be held to promote a good neighbourhood such as attending a local festival, working on a community project or helping elderly neighbours with household chores.

Individual Response

1. Do you think you are a good neighbour?
   I don’t think I’m a good neighbour because I know very little about my neighbours. I don’t have a strong sense of belonging either because I seldom take part in any community activities.

2. Do you think your neighbours are friendly?
    I think my neighbours are good because they never create troubles and cause inconvenience. But they are not very friendly. They greet coolly without a smile and they never talk to us.

3. Do you think a good neighbourhood is important?
  A good neighbourhood fosters a sense of belonging and community. It provides opportunities for people to meet, socialize and work together. A good neighbourhood makes the area a safer, nicer and more comfortable place to live.

4. What qualities should a good neighbour have?
  Good neighbours are always there to support us through bad moments, respect our family, our privacy and always greet us when we meet them. These are the most important qualities that make them good neighbours.

5. Why do people keep a distance from their neighbours?
   People keep a distance from their neighbours because they want to have their own privacy. They just give a nod or smile, and anything beyond that is regarded as intrusive and annoying.