Front Porch Life
Are you a front porch or back porch person?
Like so many other things in life, the pandemic changed my views on the front porch vs back porch question.
I always thought my introverted self would be a back porch person like my parents. Their backyard is meticulously landscaped with flower beds, a vegetable garden, a pool, and a screened-in porch. It is the place to be in the summer.
Now I would call myself a front porch AND back porch person.
I appreciate the front porch life a lot more. In a time where the connection was hard to come by the front porch and front yard were a way to see life moving and create some simple connections that made it feel like I was in the shit show of the pandemic with others.
When I am done being connected with neighbors I slide to the backyard and connect with the family.
What I love about front porch life and why it works for introverts.
When you want to feel connected you step out to the front. Relax on the porch, wave to the neighbors, have the conversations you want, and when you are done being social you head inside or to the backyard without explanation.
Front porch and front yard life really allow you to engage on your terms. You are in your space and can easily disengage and go inside. It makes it feel like it is less likely to be an energy-draining social situation. This makes me more likely to go out and engage.
You also get to build relationships slowly. I prefer slow because it gives me time to ask questions take in their answers and then sit and think about what they said so that next time I see them I have something meaningful to add to the conversation.
Connection tip: A great way to create deep meaningful relationships is to be the instigator of deep meaningful conversation. It is a unique first move. Instead of small talk for weeks, you come back with a connection. Gives the other person a chance to see who you are and decide how to respond. It gives you a chance to see if a meaningful connection is possible or if you are just gonna be neighborly.
