A great way to break the ice with your apartment complex is to leave a note for everyone asking for a collection of names and email addresses of people who want to meet their neighbors. This helps you weed out the people you would rather be left alone and leaves an open invitation for everyone else. Share the list with everyone in the building and let relationships grow as they please.

There is always the complex party you could plan. But there is a lot to go into with this and turnout isn't always great. If you did the email collection and had a good turnout, then email the invites and check to see what days would be best for everybody. Make the party at a common area, the lobby or patio. This makes it less intimidating for shy people.

If you are in a community with kids, let them be your excuse for meeting your neighbors. They can go over to meet the neighbor kids and you can meet the neighbor parents. This is a win-win situation, you both come out with new friends. Kids usually don't have as many reservations about meeting new people, let them take the initiative.

Another great way of bringing a complex community together is a community project. Maybe there is a community garden that is ignored or maybe the patio could use a good makeover. Whatever it is bring your neighbors together to work on it. Make the plans as a community and follow them together. This care really create unity with your neighbors. Even the ones who don't participate will appreciate it.

Get your neighbors together a form a neighborhood watch. This will give you all a great opportunity to better your community and strengthen relationships. Plus, the safety bonus for your family doesn't hurt either. There are probably a lot of families that wish their community was a little bit safer for their children. It never hurts to ask, maybe you will make someone's day.

One more crazy idea is great for complexes with children or pets, or both! Ask around or put up a sign asking people with pets or children would like to take a community walk. This can be walking their dogs, walking with their children, or even a hike that is close by. The time will be great for conversations and your health will benefit too!

Getting to know your neighbors can greatly improve your enjoyment at home. Sometimes there will be someone else to take the initiative, but if there isn't then you need to stand up. It might take a little time and effort, but the relationships could last a lifetime.

You have to think if it is worth it to you. But if you decide it is not, them just nodding at the guy down the hall every time you pass him will be just fine. I am sure you didn't have anything in common anyway, he only had on the same brand of crazy shoes. I am sure you would have hated him.