We two are not reclusive by temperament or inclination. We do enjoy, on our own terms, mingling with people, speaking with them, sharing moments. We are not, however, given to being part of a crowd, a group, a clique. We are of our neighbourhood, and with it to a degree. We very much like most of our neighbours, and have known them for quite a long time, for the most part.

There are certainly those people who live on the street our home is on who go out of their way never to acknowledge the presence of their neighbours. These are unfriendly people who simply prefer to be left alone. If they have a preference at all it is certainly not for congenial relations with their neighbours.

We, on the other hand, like those whom we mostly live amongst, find quality of life in cheerfully acknowledging the presence of those whom we've become familiar with. And we remain open to the casual inclusion of others who may become homeowners on the street. We take pleasure in stopping to talk through lengthy conversations with them when the occasion presents itself. We know sketchy details of their family lives, their concerns, their interests.

And that is about as far as we prefer to take it. When in public we are semi-public people, approachable and warm to others. When in the privacy of our homes we prefer not to be disturbed by outside influences. Ours is not an open-door home, nor do we prefer that our neighbours' doors be open to us.

When the need is there to help someone and we are asked to contribute in some way, we respond. We have always found, however, in ourselves a reluctance to ask others to help us, so this has become a one-way street that is not reciprocal; we will go out of our way to be of assistance, but rarely call upon others to assist us.

When, as occurred this week, an invitation was extended to take part in a neighbour's seasonal cocktail party, we demurred. Behind our resistance is the feeling that such an event is not reflective of a place where we find ourselves comfortable. We're old enough to discriminate between what is suitable for us and what is not.

At risk of offending.