Practice makes perfect, as the old adage goes. But why hospitality? What does it mean to be hospitable?
Hospitality is extending a welcome to another and it is a basic act of kindness. When we are hospitable we are creating an environment that makes others feel relaxed and at ease.
Think of a time that you felt welcomed into another’s home or at an event. What made you feel that way? Did the host greet you individually with a smile? Did they introduce you to others so that you could build connections? What was the environment like? Was there food and drink and comfortable places to sit that invited conversation?
Being hospitable is extending welcome and is an important part of being a good neighbor. Everyone wants to feel like they belong – in their workplace, in their social sphere, and in their home.
How can you make your neighbors feel that they are an important part of the neighborhood? Here are a few suggestions:
- Invite them to attend a neighborhood meeting or gathering like a picnic, ice cream social, or ultimate Frisbee game.
- Find out what foods they enjoy and treat them to fresh baked Naan, chocolate chip cookies, or sopapilla.
- Get to know them! Find out the names of their children, pets, and family members and what they enjoy doing.
- Host a dinner party and invite several neighbors to help build connections.
Building better neighborhoods is the work of all of us and an easy way to start is by extending a welcome to your neighbors.
