Would you prefer if your neighbour lives near you, or away from you?

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As a child growing up in Singapore, I was used to living in close quarters with my neighbours. I didn’t like to bring my keys around – I was afraid to lose them. I used to remember sitting on my slippers outside home, then having my neighbours invite me into their houses.

That’s the beauty of living in Singapore heartlands. You don’t have sheep or animals as neighbours, or only have your neighbour 7 miles down the road. You have them, right by you.

Singapore Matters shared a story about Mr Chua, who may not be as handsome as the “Shop Theft is a Crime” cardboard standee policeman or Captain America, but definitely proving that every man, or woman deserves a hero in your weakest moment.

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Mr Chua’s bravery shielded his elderly neighbour from the blows of her son when he gets angry. Her son suffers from mental health issues, and whenever he turned aggressive, she would run to his house – always open – to seek for refuge.

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By knowing our neighbours beyond the everyday hello in the lift, it makes it easier to empathise with each other and temper such situations with kindness. We understand why others react the way they do – maybe curry brings back bad memories, or someone’s a very light sleeper. We can relate better to one another, and realise that hey, maybe, we all have fears, struggles and aspirations; and like each other, we all want that helping hand in a moment we most needed it.

In another incident where family was the perpetrator of hurt, one that saw how citizen journalism was actually useful instead of just stomping on others (pun intended). A Mohammad Juani Ali, helped exposed terrible deeds a 58 year-old lady was subjected to. The daughter and husband of an old lady had abused the old lady, slapping her, pulling her hair, hitting her with a broom. Sometimes, blood does not run thicker than water.

We are neighbours not by chance, but we are friends by choice.

These “Steady Neighbour” posts [1], [2] reminds us what it means to  be a Steady Neighbour (:

Remember, living in an urban environment, and interacting with others might bring about problems. It is however, essential to manage and bridge these differences.