How well do you know your neighbours?
Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an antisocial. Don’t make friends easily, and don’t talk to strangers. An antiseptic smile is the best I can manage. Prefers to keep to myself and stick to the same circle of friends and relatives. Well, you can call me an introvert. That would explain my lack of interaction with neighbours.
My wife’s exactly the opposite. Yet, she has failed to strike up a conversation with the occupants of the flat across the corridor. The doors face each other. At times, we open the doors simultaneously, and the elderly lady behaves as if we don’t exist. So do the two young adults. We hardly get to see the other neighbours.
How young children make a difference
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Maybe they want to be left alone. I understand that. Yet, it feels strange. Weird, actually!
Humans, they say, are social animals. Our lives are interlinked and interdependent in some way, especially when we share a building. The blank stares and the radio silence in the elevators baffle me. Isn’t this a community? I ask myself.
I lived in another apartment for 20 years, and the experience was totally different. We had plenty of friends in the building and the neighbouring blocks. Some of those friendships exist even today, even after they have moved to other countries.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising.-
What’s the difference? One reason was our children. They were young and had plenty of friends. I remember a time when the doors of three neighbouring flats, including ours, were never locked as children kept moving from one house to another to continue their games. That was when my daughter was a toddler. At least 25 children in the neighbourhood would attend my son’s birthdays.
The children’s parents became our friends, and we called on each other for festive occasions and pujas. Sweets used to be sent and received during Diwali. Help used to be sought and given. Seems like another era.
Even after we moved, my wife maintained friendships in our old neighbourhood. She frequently travels there to attend birthdays, pujas, picnics, and other community activities. I often tease her, saying that her social skills haven’t worked in the new neighbourhood. She shrugs it off, saying it takes two people to strike a friendship.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising. When you get home from work late, visiting the neighbours is the last thing on tired minds.
What about weekends and holidays? Plans would have been made weeks ahead, and grocery shopping and prayers at a temple or a church are a weekend phenomenon. In homes where husbands and wives work, Saturdays and Sundays can turn into marathon cooking sessions to cover the week. All that doesn’t leave much time for neighbours and friends.
In many cases, it’s down to privacy. People value their privacy, which is why they keep to themselves. Imagine if your neighbours are nosy parkers. They could make lives miserable with incessant questions and the insatiable curiosity to know everything that happens in the neighbourhood.
None of us would want that. Right? Then why am I complaining?
You don’t have to take the biblical phrase “Love Thy Neighbour” literally. A little bit of social contact between neighbours wouldn’t hurt. And you don’t have to be friends with all the neighbours. A hello, a good morning, a smile, or a nod would suffice.
Do I do that? Yes, I do. Especially when I’m riding the elevator. It feels good when others return the gesture. A smile is the best. So keep smiling.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.6% Yes
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32.9% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
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Tips on Accelerating Your Comfort Level with a New Mattress
Getting started on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep with a new mattress can be exciting, but it often requires a period of adjustment.
If you've recently invested in a new mattress and are wondering about the time frame for adjustment, you're not alone.
Understanding the typical adjustment period can greatly improve your sleep health and ensure you get the most comfort out of your new bed.
The Personal Touch: Individual Variation in Adjustment
When it comes to adapting to a new mattress, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
The mattress adjustment period can vary significantly depending on a number of personal factors.
Age, health, and even your usual sleep position can influence how quickly you adjust.
Generally, most people take anywhere from a few days up to a month to fully adapt to their new sleeping environment.
During this time, your body is acclimating to the support and feel of the mattress, which may differ significantly from your old one.
Understanding Mattress Types and Their Impact
The type of mattress you choose also plays a crucial role in your adjustment period.
Memory foam, for instance, may require a longer adjustment period as it contours more significantly to your body compared to a traditional spring mattress.
On the other hand, hybrid mattresses—a combination of foam and springs—offer a balance of support and cushioning, which might ease the adaptation process.
Tips for a Smoother Transition
Adapting to your new mattress is not just about waiting it out; there are active steps you can take to make the process smoother:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce the adjustment time.
Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep—consider factors like temperature, light, and noise.
Give it time. Even if your new mattress feels different or not quite right initially, give it a few weeks, as initial discomfort is common.
Exploring more about how to enhance your sleep environment for a comfortable sleep, you can check out Beds4U Bedding.
Recognizing the Signs of Successful Adjustment
How do you know if you're well-adjusted to your new mattress?
Look for positive changes in your sleep quality and health.
You should experience less tossing and turning, fewer awakenings through the night, and reduced morning stiffness or soreness.
Increased sleep quality and waking up feeling rested are clear indicators that your body has adapted to the new mattress.
Comfort with Confidence
Adjusting to a new mattress is a unique experience that varies from person to person.
By understanding your needs and the characteristics of different mattress types, along with employing tips to aid the transition, you can enhance your sleep quality significantly.
Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
At Beds4U, we are committed to helping you find that perfect sleep solution.
With a wide range of high-quality mattresses and a knowledgeable team eager to assist, finding your ideal comfort is just a visit away.
Explore our latest collections and sales at Beds4U and start enjoying a more comfortable sleep tonight.
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