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One great truth about the current recession is that we're all in it together. The longer it goes on, the more people are realizing that we need to help one another. But what to do for our neighbors? How can we extend a helping hand to people who live so close and yet who are really not much more than passing, acquaintances? We want to help, not to offend or insult, but we don't know how. The answer lies in taking that passing acquaintance and turning it into friendship.

1. Host a cookout. Invite the neighbors and make sure there's too much food. Send the extras home with them. If they reciprocate, take too much to their house next time. (This works especially well if you have a pool, and they have kids.)

2. Make a show of working on cleaning our your garage, then ask if they'd like to have a joint garage sale to get rid of stuff.

3. Mention that you'd love to get a membership at one of those warehouse stores where you can buy in bulk for a lower price, but you wish you had someone to split the items with because you don't have enough storage space. Would they be interested?

4. Does either husband or wife work near your place of employment? Suggest a car pool citing the high cost of fuel and your desire to cut back. After all, you live next door to each other, why not share the ride?

5. Do the neighbors have a child of the right age to babysit your children? Or one who could cut your grass because you "hate" to do it so much? (Any kind of chore will work, from pet sitting to moving your sprinklers during the day.)

6. Is their a plot of usable land between the two houses? Suggest planting a shared garden and pick items like tomatoes that produce in large quantities.

Once you've established a little deeper rapport with the folks next door, it's easier to say, "Hey, I know you're great at hanging wallpaper and my friend who is a decorator is looking for someone." Or to ask, "My company is hiring, can I set up an appointment for you?" By then, you'll know how they're likely to react and will be able to couch your offer in the best possible terms.

In tough economic times a person's pride is more sensitive than ever, especially when the people involved feel a need to keep up appearances, otherwise, "What will the neighbors think?" It's much easier, however, to take help from a friend than a friendly stranger. First hold out the hand of friendship, then find ways to help the neighbors who are struggling. In the end, you'll both benefit from the effort.

Learn more about this author, Rana Williamson.
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