MEET MY GUEST:
Rhoda from Southern Hospitality!

The invitation said, “Come and Meet Your Neighbors.”

My goal was to get several of our neighbors together to at least meet and get familiar with others who live nearby on our street.

So I invited my neighbors over for dessert!

I can’t say it was a smashing success, since we invited 16 families and 4 came out. Only one called to say they couldn’t make it, but thought it was a great idea. The other 11 didn’t respond at all.

I think times have changed and people are just not as neighborly anymore.

I remember when folks used to take time to get to know their neighbors and be friendly, but it seems that today, most just don’t have the time or inclination to do that. And, it’s OK…I’m glad we made the effort anyway. I have 2 great neighbors on either side of me who came over and we enjoyed visiting with them. They are both good friends with each other anyway and their kids are in school together. A sweet older couple in their 80′s came from down the street. One other guy came over from across the street with his 2 young sons, but his wife was tired, so didn’t make it.

I’m glad I tried it!

Although I may not be that ambitious again in hosting another event. Maybe something smaller next time, with those who seem to be interested in getting together?

What did I learn?

Not everyone wants to get to know their neighbors and I can’t take it personally!

I am now reaching out in other areas, like church and small groups, to meet couples and new friends. I haven’t given up on entertaining, but have revised my approach to inviting others over, more of a one-couple-at-a-time kind of thing.

The fact that I’m willing to reach out takes my mind off of myself and on to others!

I was so honored to have met Rhoda, from Southern
Hospitality in Nashville a few weeks ago. We had a great
time hanging out, and bouncing ideas off of each other. A few years back I was inspired by her realness and her humbleness, of sharing this not-so-perfect story!

If you want to check out Rhoda’s smashing cheesecake recipe that she made for her neighbors, you can visit her here. Thank you, Rhoda, for sharing your Southern Hospitality! Rhoda also invited me to be her guest today, so head on over to read about Easy Lunch Entertaining!

Here’s a FUN neighborly story that will make you SMILE! Check out Kristen’s post, from We are that Family, here. I just love this girl!