We Do Have Them On Speed-Dial
E. Boyer
My friend of over 40 years has a new neighbor. When you live in a neighborhood for a long time you often have the pleasure (or misfortune) of new neighbors. The new neighbor in Piedmont is typically a young couple with young children. I assume this is due to the notion that our schools are good. My friend gets great pleasure from all the new activity. He especially enjoys it when the new neighbor is “a little smart-ass-know-it-all.” I believe that with this particular type he views their abrasive personality as a challenge which ultimately ends with an up-hill climb for the young and unsuspecting newbie . Too bad, because it could so easily have been avoided with good, old fashioned “manners.” What is it about these Gen X’ers that gives them their outrageous sense of entitlement? The idea that they can come into any environment and run the show? “Hey, I’m gonna need you to move your car this week because I have a construction crew coming in and they’ll need that space.” Or “Hey, I’m pretty sure your fence crosses my property line so you’ll need to take care of that.” Or “I’ve just discovered that the roots of your tree have caused my plumbing to fail so I’m gonna need you to reimburse me for new pipes.” Oh, dear. Well, now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve revealed yourself to be the most tragic combination of all…new AND ill-mannered. So, the response from the old neighbors is typically something like: “Hey, Booster-Seat, why don’t you jump back on your Hippity-Hop and ride into town again, this time with a better attitude and a little humility? And, by the way, that giant, imported Magnolia tree that you paid a fortune for and planted on your sidewalk strip will never be approved by The City. That’s right, every street in the city of Piedmont has an approved tree and no, they won’t make an exception for you just because you huff and puff and use big, fancy words and yes, we all knew this little factoid but didn’t share it with you because, quite frankly, you irritate us.” So, yep…the Magnolia will have to go. That’s sorta how it works. You see, there is something sacred about manners and humility. It tells the world around you that you understand and respect that you are just a tiny part of a much bigger thing. It tells those around you that you appreciate and value their existence as you share this tiny space on the planet and all of the little experiences that make up our lives. Be kind and friendly when you meet your new neighbors. Don’t assume that anyone will be impressed because you came here from an upitty East Coast town or that at 32 you bought a house in Piedmont. Remember, we all bought houses here, too…and without our parent’s help. So, “Welcome”all you spirited young newcomers! Mind your manners, check with the city before you plant any trees and for God’s sake, don’t start bossing folks around right out of the gate! Try to walk a little softer until you’ve been around for 15 or 20 years. Tip: We have the city inspector on speed-dial. We can either, sit back and enjoy all the lovely improvements you make to your new home or our bi-weekly bridge club can become the betting pool for how many times we shut down your project. O.K., O.K., I’m just kidding about the betting pool. Well, sorta.
