Neighbourly Behavior.

[K9Interests]

Hello Neighbours!

This evening, I was walking m dogs and tripped and fell. We were walking up Bodine toward Liberty Lands and one dog, Griffin, had to be recalled as I had dropped his lead during my fall. As I waited for him to return, which took two (!) calls, I saw the young couple with a baby strapped to the gentleman step into the street.

I understand fear of dogs. Or that my demeanor, dress or reputation might induce fear, horror or what have you! However, I simply do not understand anyone who is fearful/horrified or what have you at least asking if I am alright.

Once I had hold of Griffin, I looked back to see the lovely young people continuing on, as if nothing had happened. Any of you who know me know full well my size (18 on a good day) and so with the dogs, this was a 300lb event. Tough to miss.

So, being the rudie that I am, I called back to them, and finally got the "Are you alright?" response. Too little, too late. So I replied that I hoped their baby met better people than them in a crisis.

In the park, we met Alex, a precocious eight going on forty young girl. Of her own mind, she offered wet towels for my knee and advice for its care once I got home.

Later, we ran into Cosmo, who's owner saved Katerina. He suggested that I should post here, if only to save his ears from a rant about the sort of people who now live here. So, as I must have offended some, feel free to reply about how well you know this area and just how you are a better example of the recent influx of people who seem to think a greeting is bit too much and that concern for others is above and beyond.

Yes, I am cranky and being a bitch. I am sure to apologize later, but I have some one in the 'hood who needs me right now. So, I'll check back once I've returned to my usual mental (lol) state. But, I just have to add: When I moved into this area about twenty years ago, I met a gentleman named Juan. We'd walk together sometimes, if that suited, until he had to move South to care for his mother.

He would greet everyone as they passed and at that time, it seemed as if everyone knew him. I was so impressed, I tried to adopt that openness. Which I know in my case needs a bit of trimming! But I miss that general acknowledgement that our neighbourhood had. Is it just me?

[K9Interests]

Well, I am sorry for the way I worded my post above. I guess a sore knee could be blamed, or some such. I think basically I'm sad that there are some people who think it's OK to walk past some one who fell down and is obviously in pain. I've seen it before and I'll see it again. I usually am the one trying to help. Sucks to be the one who would have at least liked a show of concern.

Right. Take care of yourselves and each other.......

Carefully steps off soap box and hobbles off to do as the lovely Alex instructed earlier.

[NoLibPerson]

Ranting aside (and that was a hell of a rant), I do wish more people would just say hello or even nod. I always acknowledge my neighbors (the ones I know and the ones I don't know) as I walk through the hood and, too often, people not only don't say hello back, I get a stare like there's something wrong with me. Seems a shame.

[boldikus]

sorry, is nolibs suddenly a british colony?

neighbourly?

cup a tea and some biscuits for ya today mam?

and, too often, people not only don't say hello back, I get a stare like there's something wrong with me. Seems a shame.

yeah, "city of Brotherly Love" was a misprint. welcome to philly. :)

[Alvin12]

Ranting aside (and that was a hell of a rant), I do wish more people would just say hello or even nod. I always acknowledge my neighbors (the ones I know and the ones I don't know) as I walk through the hood and, too often, people not only don't say hello back, I get a stare like there's something wrong with me. Seems a shame.

I often think the same. Some neighorhoods are friendlier than others. Northern Liberties is definitely one of the colder ones. I moved here from the suburbs about 7 years ago. When I first moved here, I would say "hello" or "good morning" to people I encountered because, that's how it was where I lived. But after years of being blown off, I stopped.

[carpetbagger]

i haven't been here as long as the original poster, but in 5 years i have visited and lived here, i have noticed a difference. i wouldn't go so far to say the newer neighbors i have encountered are bad people, but they just don't seem very interested in being part of a community, if that makes sense. not all, but some. oh well. i know which neighbors i can count on, and those who could care less.

[NewMarketPop]

These are the same type of neighbors that could care less if there's trash all over their pavement or block. Have some pride people!

[mythaeus]

Sorry to hear what happened. I hope you are alright. Personally I'd prefer that people don't bother with "are you alright?" unless they truly care. The couple didn't care so they didn't ask, that's fine with me. If they didn't really care and asked, I'd rather that they don't.

Ranting aside (and that was a hell of a rant), I do wish more people would just say hello or even nod. I always acknowledge my neighbors (the ones I know and the ones I don't know) as I walk through the hood and, too often, people not only don't say hello back, I get a stare like there's something wrong with me. Seems a shame.

I always say hello if we make eye contact and don't care if they say hello back, though they always. People who stare into space don't want to be greeted so I take the hint.

sorry, is nolibs suddenly a british colony?

neighbourly?

cup a tea and some biscuits for ya today mam?

The OP could be from the UK or Canada. No Libs isn't all occupied by just Amerikans. Does it matter anyway? Add me to the list of neighbours who find your nonsense chalked up as "sense of humor" utterly uncreative and unfunny.

Al

[towner215]

Have you been living under a rock for twenty years? I wouldn't be surprised at all if I fell and no one helped me, unless I was laying on the ground seriously hurt.

I don't understand the bid deal and why you felt the need to post such a long winded story about it.

Just get up, dust yourself off and go on with life.

[MattatHope]

It would seem to me that this trend is not just a Northern Liberties thing, but a general trend in how Americans behave. One might argue the increased use of social media has numbed us to actual person to person interaction. But who knows. I would also add that as someone who moved to this neighborhood within the last 5 years, I got the cold shoulder from some of my neighbors who have lived here for many years for a long time when saying hello to them as I walked by. However, many were very welcoming right from the start. Some people are just not friendly or in their own worlds. But I know how it can be frustrating when you go out of your way to help others or at the very least be cordial and are not shown the same respect.

[Chris]

well, as others have pointed out (and you seem to admit), you're kind of nutty and had a (large) dog off-leash - I'd stay away from you too. especially if I had a child with me and you were unable to control your dog (two (!) calls)

maybe act more in line with society's norms and you won't feel so left out and ignored.

[mythaeus]

It would seem to me that this trend is not just a Northern Liberties thing, but a general trend in how Americans behave. One might argue the increased use of social media has numbed us to actual person to person interaction. But who knows. I would also add that as someone who moved to this neighborhood within the last 5 years, I got the cold shoulder from some of my neighbors who have lived here for many years for a long time when saying hello to them as I walked by. However, many were very welcoming right from the start. Some people are just not friendly or in their own worlds. But I know how it can be frustrating when you go out of your way to help others or at the very least be cordial and are not shown the same respect.

I think some people have become jaded through past experiences where a lot those who are friendly to them generally follow up with asking for something, like money. Having been in Philly for so long, elsewhere outside of No Libs too, I caught myself being surprised once in a while to get a "hello" when I go to the suburb.

Al

[carpetbagger]

well, as others have pointed out (and you seem to admit), you're kind of nutty and had a (large) dog off-leash - I'd stay away from you too. especially if I had a child with me and you were unable to control your dog (two (!) calls)

maybe act more in line with society's norms and you won't feel so left out and ignored.

umm.... it sounds when he fell he dropped the leash ( that's what "lead" means. OMG TEH BRITISH R COMING DERP).

[boldikus]

Add me to the list of neighbours who find your nonsense chalked up as "sense of humor" utterly uncreative and unfunny.

Al

consider it done, crabmaster.

[Alvin12]

well, as others have pointed out (and you seem to admit), you're kind of nutty and had a (large) dog off-leash - I'd stay away from you too. especially if I had a child with me and you were unable to control your dog (two (!) calls)

maybe act more in line with society's norms and you won't feel so left out and ignored.

Reading this gave me a pit in my stomach. You must be one of those people that would have just walked on by if you saw someone in K9's position. Did you not read the post....they dropped the lead (aka LEASH) when they fell. It wasn't a matter of them not having control over their animals. How rude are you?! And telling someone to conform to the "norms" of society...are you serious?? So you're saying the only way you'd help someone is if they are "normal"? I'm sure you're so perfect and normal and deserving of a hand when you need it. *hope you note the sarcasm*.