Hold more block parties in public estates and condos

The trend towards privacy is understandable, given people’s greater socio-economic well-being now, thereby lessening the need for mutual help among neighbours (More people prefer privacy over neighbourliness: Poll; June 28).

As old neighbours leave and new ones move in, recognising our neighbours becomes harder. The presence of short-term sublessors makes it even harder. At the community level, perhaps more block parties in public estates and private condominiums could be organised.

At an individual level, we should feel a sense of discomfort if we cannot recognise our neighbours, especially those on the same storey. Befriending them would extend our comfort zone, though this is easier said than done.