I get it. There are some people who aren’t suited to neighborhood living, for one reason or another.
Maybe privacy is the reason. They don’t relish others recognizing their cars on the street or knowing their daily schedules and habits. They prefer anonymity over the prospect that the barista or bartender will know what they’re having, and are loath to give a full name or real name in casual encounters.
Or, maybe it’s shyness. They find idle chit-chat ridiculous or difficult, and prefer online contacts to interacting with real people.
Or, it could be fear. A neighborhood is full of people who might not be like them, some of whom might be threatening or harmful. Complete solitude, either out in the country alone or hidden in an urban crowd, seems safer.
Or, it’s just a difference in values. A perfect lawn is preferable to one loved by children or animals. The freedom to burn leaves at any time, no matter if a neighbor is hanging laundry or entertaining in the path of the smoke, is tantamount. Having a home gym means never having to wait or wipe down for someone else.
I get it. We’re all different, and some just aren’t neighborhood people.
Problem is, some of those not suited for neighborhoods think that island life is the solution.
News flash: Unless it is uninhabited by anyone else, each island is a neighborhood. Other people live there and it’s a community, like it or not. Others will know what you drive, where you go, who you talk to (and who you seem to avoid), how friendly you are and whether you contribute to the neighborhood or separate yourself from it. They will form opinions about you and treat you accordingly.
There are few secrets on an island. Sasha can tell you what Tom and I like for lunch and what beer we drink. Josh has us memorized, too. Marqui just waits for a nod, and brings my drink. If you socialize only with other ex-pats, the locals will know. If you keep your home as a fortress from all others, we all know.
I have watched as various people who don’t like neighborhoods move into the neighborhood. I’m interested to see how this works for them. Can you live on North Caicos without being a part of North Caicos?
Good question.
Maybe privacy is the reason. They don’t relish others recognizing their cars on the street or knowing their daily schedules and habits. They prefer anonymity over the prospect that the barista or bartender will know what they’re having, and are loath to give a full name or real name in casual encounters.
Or, maybe it’s shyness. They find idle chit-chat ridiculous or difficult, and prefer online contacts to interacting with real people.
Or, it could be fear. A neighborhood is full of people who might not be like them, some of whom might be threatening or harmful. Complete solitude, either out in the country alone or hidden in an urban crowd, seems safer.
Or, it’s just a difference in values. A perfect lawn is preferable to one loved by children or animals. The freedom to burn leaves at any time, no matter if a neighbor is hanging laundry or entertaining in the path of the smoke, is tantamount. Having a home gym means never having to wait or wipe down for someone else.
I get it. We’re all different, and some just aren’t neighborhood people.
Problem is, some of those not suited for neighborhoods think that island life is the solution.
News flash: Unless it is uninhabited by anyone else, each island is a neighborhood. Other people live there and it’s a community, like it or not. Others will know what you drive, where you go, who you talk to (and who you seem to avoid), how friendly you are and whether you contribute to the neighborhood or separate yourself from it. They will form opinions about you and treat you accordingly.
There are few secrets on an island. Sasha can tell you what Tom and I like for lunch and what beer we drink. Josh has us memorized, too. Marqui just waits for a nod, and brings my drink. If you socialize only with other ex-pats, the locals will know. If you keep your home as a fortress from all others, we all know.
I have watched as various people who don’t like neighborhoods move into the neighborhood. I’m interested to see how this works for them. Can you live on North Caicos without being a part of North Caicos?
Good question.
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