Have you ever wondered what type of neighbour you are? I am always very curious about people and how they relate with each other. Especially in communities where people engage regularly with each other. My old neighbourhood didn’t have much in the way of neighbourly behaviour. My new street is packed with community spirit.
What Type Of Neighbour Are You?
Giffgaff performed a nationwide poll, which found that relations between a British adult and their nearest neighbours is on average a surprising seven out of ten. So not all the doom and gloom that the media would have you believe!
In fact, giffgaff commissioned the survey to break the myth that we live in “urban solitude” and to celebrate modern neighbourhood relationships that bring communities together. For me, I have found that moving back to a neighbourhood made up of ex social housing properties has meant more community spirit than my former, expensive neighbourhood did.
I guess the type of neighbour in lower value areas could have more free time, so be happier to get to know those who live nearby. It’s definitely true that my former street was made up of people who worked longer hours, anyway.
A spokesperson for giffgaff said: “Community is at the heart of everything that we do here at giffgaff – after all, we are the mobile network run by you. This is why we wanted to get a better understanding of how communities in modern Britain feel about each other. As a result, we’ve managed to quash the myth that we now live in urban solitude and we are in fact a lot more connected with each other than one would initially think.”
The Study Findings
The study found that most neighbourly communication is done the old fashioned way, with a natter over the garden fence (34%) the way most catch up, followed by a chat on the way to work (24%) and a shared pot of tea (13%). As a very chatty person who loves tea, I can relate. Yet 7% of Brits have a digital neighbourhood messaging group. Which type of neighbours do you have? Are they helpful, chatty, closed off or unsociable?
With four in ten survey responders admitting they’ve had rows with our neighbours on occasion, it’s no surprise there are so many closed off neighbours.
However, a happy 16% say they love their neighbours. Around one in eight (12%) say their neighbours are some of their best friends . While 6% even admit they have a secret crush on their neighbours.
Reasons to be Neighbourly
One of the biggest reasons to be on good terms with your neighbour is so they are more likely to help if there’s a problem. There’s also the fact they could call you if there’s ever signs of a break – in at your home. Plus, having someone you’re on good terms with comes in handy when you miss the delivery man.
So what are your thoughts on the data above? Do you agree – or are your relationships with your neighbours completely different? Either way, at least we know the community is alive and well in these interesting political times. Finally, why not check out more of my lifestyle blog posts here.
