What Would You Do?

If you had the chance to live in the same cul-de-sack as a favorite relative would you do it?

Here are the facts / pros / cons that I can see.

I would be interested in your thoughts.

Facts:
* Favorite cousin (best friends since birth)
* 6 houses on cul-de-sack
* The two Houses are diaginal from each other (one is the 1st house on the left, the other is the 2nd house from the right)

Pros:
* Close Family (emergencies, etc...)
* Children close in age (playmates)

Cons:
* No privacy

Re: What Would You Do?

hhmmm, although it sounds great, I would set up guidelines ie you don't want to become the Barrone's...

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It's weird because our parents all grew up in Brooklyn where not only did your whole family live on the same block, but many times in the same 6-family apartment Buildings where they shared bathrooms, LOL.

So our parents are like "Go For It!" "Your kids will be so happy!" "It's wonderful to have family close by."

And that part is wonderful. Our childen will be the same age (or close to it) and my cousin offered to babysit while I work and I would be available for her while she worked (she owns a salon, works weekends).

But part of me is like "eeek, there are NO secrets then ..." like none! And her family will know everything and my family will know everything about her.

You know?

She already lives there and she is encouraging it .. but how do I know she is not just saying that.

LOL, it's so hard when it's family!

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I'm on the fence with this one. I see more positives than negatives here. What does your DH think?

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DH is fine with it. I'm the one who can never make a decision ...

I called my cousin and I was like "you know this is like a 30- year commitment to remain best cousins forever right? LOL" It's like a marriage!

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i personally would love to live very close to my family and friends.

all of our friends are trying to buy homes within a 10-15 min proximity and my family is in the same town
it is great

you can have your privacy when u want it..

Re: What Would You Do?

I just mean I can picture the open doors. The kids in and out all day long. That's the part I love.

The privacy part is ... is she going to feel obligated to invite us over everytime her parents visit? Will I? What about friends? I mean I guess we would find a balance, but it is close ...

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I'll send you email Li, its easier. LOL

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I would love it - but i come from a very close family. My best friend/cousin is living with us temprorarily and while that might be too close for comfort in the long run, right next door would be just fine....

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i would do it, just because if you guys are that close, im sure she will understand that you need your privacy! and im sure she'll need hers too! i would go for it

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Message edited 1/30/2009 10:52:28 PM.

Re: What Would You Do?

I think that in the beginning you may want to see each other all the time - and it will be fun. But once you move in and you are there for awhile I'm sure things will go back to normal and you'll both live your lives.

I say go for it!

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I'm imagining this with my Cousin...I'd LOVE it.

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I'm picturing this with my best friend and I'd do it. Then again, we already have boundaries re: privacy after 25+ years of friendship

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I would do it!

My grandma and family always talk about "the good old days" where everyone lived on the same block, and how close everyone was. I would love to have my best friend so close!

Message edited 2/12/2007 7:43:04 PM.

Re: What Would You Do?

Having grown up across the street from my aunt - which i loved - I'd say go for it, so long as there's a good relationship (which you already mentioned.) I had a really good time living near her and her kids...my cousin was like my little brother and she was like a second mom.

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I think it's a great idea! I wish my cousin and I were across the street!

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DH grew up living next door to his aunt, uncle and cousins. It's always worked out wonderfully for them.

We're doing it now too since we're living with my IL's to save money. Honestly, we hardly ever see the Next Door's because of everyone's schedule and such.

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In many ways, I think it would be easier to live this close to my cousin than my siblings. The dynamic is a little different, and I think my family would respect my privacy.

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Thank you all. We are currently considering it.

Besides the initial excitement of living that close to family, in the long run, the support system we would have would be unparalled.

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I'd love it!

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Hey...you found a house??? I say do it. And...you have FM!!

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I live close (well, not that close) to my parents and in-laws and I love it. It's wonderful to have family nearby.