Yes, this is decidedly so!! I noted, not too long after moving into a small village and joining the volunteer fire department (back in '72), that my number of friends was rapidly expanding, and I was often stopped for conversations with people I only vaguely recognized. Finally, on one occasion, I said that I couldn't quite place this man's face, and he laughed and said, "No wonder! It was 3 o'clock in the morning last month when you were standing in my front yard knocking down that fire!". Before the week was out, a lady stopped me at the door in a store, and told me that her husband's finger had been successfully reattached, and the prognosis was positive for at least minimal movement and usage. THEN I could place her! I recommend to anyone moving into a new community to join the fire department or volunteer time somewhere in the community, and in no time you will have more "hard times" friends than you can list... and they ARE the best ones you can have!!
Being a rather shy person, I made it a must to go and meet the neighbors instead of waiting around for any of them to come and meet me. Sometimes I get stared at, but mostly people welcome me warmly, and I tend to find that most of my neighbors are great, no matter where I go. I am glad for you that you found friendly people in your neighborhood!
