Neighbours Play an Important Role in Our Daily Lives

– Tasmiya Shaikh

Who are these neighbours? Neighbours are the ones who live next to or near our house. They play an important role in our daily lives as we share a special bond of mutual care and respect with them.

In a famous quote by Rudyard Kipling, it is said, “Borrow trouble for yourself, if that’s your nature, but don’t lend it to your neighbours.” By this, we understand that we can attract as many troubles as we want, but because of our troubles, we must not hurt or trouble our neighbours. For example, when we invite friends over and have our own fun, this fun could be a trouble to our neighbours. When we play loud music, we not only disturb the neighbourhood but also harm our own hearing capacity. Another example is when kids play the game of ding-dong ditching their neighbours. Therefore, the neighbours might be troubled by these activities, and we, as good neighbours, must keep in mind that others should not suffer due to our own actions.

Therefore, these neighbours have certain rights towards us as well as towards other neighbours. So, the obvious question is, what are these certain rights of neighbours?

1. We need to greet each other with love and affection.
2. We need to engage in brief and polite conversations without involving ourselves in their private matters.
3. We need to inquire about our neighbours’ health and help them during illness.
4. We need to assist our neighbours in times of difficulty and need.
5. We should share our moments of joy and sorrow with our neighbours too.
6. We must overlook each other’s mistakes and minor annoyances.
7. One of the major rights is that we respect our neighbours’ privacy and do not intrude into their personal space.
8. We must avoid causing our neighbours discomfort by means of loud noise or blocking pathways.
9. Another major right of neighbours is to help them in case of emergencies or accidents.
10. In case a neighbour is away from their home, it is our duty and their right that we protect their property in their absence.
11. We must refrain from gossiping or listening to anything negative about them.
12. As said before, we must respect their privacy and also the privacy of other neighbours.
13. Last but not least, we must treat their children with respect and speak kindly to them.

In conclusion, neighbours are an important part of our lives. They stand by us during times of need and share in our happiness. As good neighbours, we should greet them warmly, help in times of need, respect their privacy, avoid causing disturbances, protect their property when they’re away, and maintain friendly, polite relations without interfering in their personal matters. Therefore, we must treat them with kindness, respect, and gratitude for the support they bring to our families and communities.

[The writer, based in Vasco, Goa, is studying in B.Sc. 2nd Year]