July 14, 2010
Dogs are clearly more work
than cats. But they also provide added benefits. You HAVE to walk the dog which
means at least once a day you are out in the neighborhood. A dog, therefore,
becomes the automatic elimination of awkwardness and the natural opening to be
friendly.
See someone new walking a
dog down your street? Just ask “What’s
your dog’s name?” From that point on,
say hi to the dog when you see them.
Then, once you work up the nerve, say hi to the neighbor too.
The dog also makes local
parks a place of neighborly gathering. And because we are creatures of habit,
we tend to hit the park about the same time every day. As a result, dog lovers
know there is a dog-park community that forms.
If the rest of your living
situation permits it, consider bringing a dog into your home. The dog can
single pawedly (I know, I made up the word) be your ambassador to end community
awkwardness.