Neighborhoods consist of a group of people who live within certain proximity of one another. Each of these arrangements is unique in its identity, personality and in the emotion it generates. New members of communities must exercise patience and learn to identify the underlying character of their new surroundings. This is necessary, for adherence to the unwritten and often unspoken rules, rituals and social standards are expected. Deviations, from such codes, only complicate the transition process and make a successful adaptation difficult to achieve.

Once newcomers officially obtain a residence, these governing principles are immediately unveiled and come into play. Sometimes the veterans of a neighborhood collectively welcome the newly arrived with a simple, yet warm reception. Usually, this means the environment is friendly and socially active. It is likely that this is a crowd that is tightly spun together and believes in sharing and wholeness. It is generally is not threatened by an increase in the numbers of their community.

However, the predominant practice is for existing inhabitants of a community to approach the sucklings of their community on an individual basis. These fellow dwellers are nurturing, but tend to associate in small clusters, instead of under one vast and collective tent.

It is possible to encounter environmental situations in which the list of callers upon the newbies is quite scant. This may indicate these folks are either loners by nature or perhaps in fact, there is an all encompassing network of community involvement. Unfortunately, membership is only acquired through exclusive reservation or proven by merit.

This latter category requires all new entrants to the domain to proceed cautiously, for assertively initiating any introduction may result in instant rejection. Sometimes it is possible to facilitate trust by simply easing into the environment and becoming a familiar face. Additionally, having children at a socially active stage in their development can expedite this agonizing period of uncertainty, but not always.

The maintenance and appearance of a household and its accompanying property must conform to pre-established guidelines. Neighborhoods vary dramatically in their definition of an acceptable standard. Some openly promote an anything goes attitude. These can be detected rather effortlessly; for tattered shutters, chipped paint or high weeds symbolize this mindset.

Others adopt a strict and uncompromising view towards general upkeep. Here, professional gardeners, landscapers or a general lawn service mark the way in these communities. People not equipped to deal with the additional financial burdens that these environments mandate, are urged to keep their distance. Anything short of the status quo is considered well short of the mark and not tolerated.

Areas that utilize the middle ground preservation philosophy, force the newly situated to learn sound interpretation skills. For, although no specific measure exists, compliance to an unspecified bottom rung standard is expected. Generally, the appearance of the house and property should not be disheveled, but it need not cast an image of perfection. The grass should be generally cut once a week, but every ten days will usually suffice in this respect. Trimming is usually conducted on an as is needed basis and is not usually sanctioned by a rigid schedule. During the months of autumn, the leaves should be raked no less then every few weeks. Friction can occur when one’s leaves come to rest on the property of a fellow resident. The earliest garbage and recycling items should be curbed is at about dusk the evening prior to collection. The latest curbing of these items should occur is the he morning scheduled for collection. However, slight deviations in these guidelines are often judged with a sense of reasonableness. The hooters of the night tend perform this chore late in the evening, while the early birds prefer predawn. Though no words may be spoken, neither of these extreme approaches is usually appreciated.

It is important to realize that there are usually one or two players in this type of neighborhood, who are fanatical with their appearance of their abode and landscape. These characters are recognized as the exception to the rule. Their lead is never to be followed as these chaps are usually quietly despised and viewed with scorn by the rest of the community.

New inhabitants, who have gone forth and multiplied, ought to pay special attention to the manner in which youngsters in the community conduct their leisure. Interactive play is sometimes encouraged and sometimes it is not. The odds are favorable that several teenagers in the neighborhood will raise Cain and visibly engage in counter productive forms of recreation. The newcomers’ offspring must comprehend that these individuals are not ideal role models and their behavior is not to be admired or imitated. Failure to internalize these views and act accordingly could dress their parent’s reputation in scarlet among their peers.

However, if the neighborhood youth as a whole openly display irresponsible conduct, the social consequences are minimal if the behavior is mirrored. Occasionally, no children will be noted playing outside with any regularity. Both of these types of locales should only be considered with severe reservations or simply avoided all together.

It is a tedious task to become a new member of a neighborhood. Accordingly, great care should be taken to determine where to properly reside in society. However, once a location has been selected and the move becomes a reality; it is vital to investigate, understand and internalize the preferred social mores of the chosen community. Hopefully, if practiced with due diligence the newcomer will sow the seeds for everlasting happiness.

Originally published on Associated Content / Yahoo Contributor Network (YCN) on March 31, 2009

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