[quote=jpinpb]UCGal – yes, being from the East Coast, true about the front porches.
I think part of the problem could be that California, in general, San Diego, is very transient. People move a lot. Back in the day, our parents/grandparents stayed put, had their job for 40 years, lived in the same house, etc. etc. It was easy to know everyone.
I’ve lived in San Diego since ’89. I’ve moved probably 11 times. The longest I stayed anywhere was when I had my place in Carmel Valley for 9 years. I had the intention of staying there and watching the newly planted dissiduous trees cover the road it lined.
Events and circumstances and life happening causes people to move more than they want. How can you get to know your neighbor when you keep moving? I reach out and am friendly and social. Imagine others. I’ve moved that many times, multiply that by others.
Now think of those that do stay put. A little difficult to reach out when you have a different neighbor every year or so. [/quote]
This is spot-on, jpinpb. In stable towns, most people probably make most of their life-long friends by the time they leave high school. In large cities in California, people are too transient to make those life-long committments. It’s difficult to make really good friends, only to see them move after a couple of years. I think people just shut down and stick with more superficial “friendships” around here.
It’s very unfortunate, IMHO, and possibly a reason behind all our “depression” statistics, in addition to peoples’ pursuit of material possessions. It might even be responsible for our problems with gangs and the restlessness of today’s youth. I think many people are trying to fill a void created by a lack of more permanent relationships.
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TG,
That was a great story about your friend “J.” Thanks for sharing that.
