As a non-married person with no kids in a family-oriented neighborhood, I found myself feeling lonely as I would go on local errands or take walks. Disconnected. That’s why I set a goal with my coach, Angela, having to do with being more neighborly.

I told her I would “flirt” with two people per week and ask to pet at least two people’s dogs.

What do I mean by flirt?

Here’s my unique definition for flirt: To initiate friendly contact with someone I don’t know. This contact could be a smile, eye contact, and/or a genuine hello. If it’s some other expression of friendliness, that will count, too.

I joined my local “Buy Nothing” group and now enjoy giving away unneeded items in my household and receiving new-to-me treasures. Each time I rendezvoused with a neighbor to receive (new shorts!) or give (unused printer cartridges!), it qualifies as a flirt.

Last week I chatted with two people on the sidewalk who spotted a bona fide owl in a tree on my street. An owl!

Being neighborly is so much nicer than the alternative.

How did it go with the dogs?

I am really lucky to be in a city with so many beloved dogs. I enjoy trying to figure out a dog’s personality by the way it walks, trots, wobbles or prances. On Monday of this week, I met a dog who wagged his butt and tail while also standing on his hind legs. Priceless!

While petting their pet, people often share with me their dog’s temperament: “She’s friendly.” “He’s shy.” “She loves attention.”

Was this a successful experiment?

The two dogs and two flirts weekly goal has changed the way I experience my town. It’s like I’m learning to cuddle my neighborhood. I feel a lot less lonely and more like I belong.

It turns out I have plenty in common with my neighbors. And their little dogs, too.