How many of your neighbors do you know by name?

I live in a 19th century house in a small urban area. There are two apartments on the second floor, and my apartment is on the first floor. There is approximately seven feet of empty alleyway between my house and the one next door.

I don’t know my upstairs neighbors. I don’t know my next-door neighbors. I don’t know my mail carrier, or gas station clerk, or any of the people I see on a regular basis. I don’t see kids riding bikes anymore, or hanging out on the playgrounds.

Growing up, I would get off the school bus, and on to my bike, and I’d be out with friends until the sun went down. Think about it: would you feel comfortable today if your kids did that? Do you feel our over-protectiveness is responsible for the child obesity epidemic?

This is becoming a very individualistic society; we’re self-sufficient and no longer want to depend on others or even maintain relationships/friendships like we did years ago. How do you think this will affect future generations?

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