BLOOMINGTON, Illinois, Sept. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Most neighbors want to have a better relationship with one another but 36 percent of Americans are embarrassed they know so few of their neighbors’ names. On Good Neighbor Day, Wednesday, September 28^th, State Farm is encouraging neighbors to “Say Hello” to each other.

State Farm has teamed up with etiquette expert and advice columnist Harriette Cole to help neighbors connect in simple ways. “Being a good neighbor is easy and can start with a simple gesture,” says Cole. “We may think we don’t have anything in common with our neighbors, but we do—our neighborhoods.”

Helpful do’s and don’ts when engaging with neighbors include:

• Introducing yourself. Many people are embarrassed that they don’t know their neighbors’ names. It’s never too late to introduce or reintroduce yourself.
• Smiling. Say hello with a smile: a smile can ease a nervous neighbor and help make a connection.
• Positive gestures: Never underestimate the power of small positive gestures like smiling, waving or simply saying hello.
• Let them know you’re a good neighbor and here to help – from lending a hammer to watching their home when they’re out of town. Drop off a card with your name and contact information.
• Respect boundaries and privacy. Be considerate and ask your neighbors if they have time to chat before launching into a story. And always make sure you’ve been invited to that BBQ before stopping by.
• Don’t Stay Inside. Get acquainted with your neighbors. Try spending time in the front yard or on the front stoop. You may be surprised who strikes up conversation.

Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, Good Neighbor Day is a time to get out and talk to your neighbors. Whether it’s someone who just moved in or the family down the street who’s lived there for 20 years, neighbors who know each other have happier and safer communities. For more tips on connecting with your neighbor and information about the recently released State of Neighbors Survey go to http://st8.fm/GNDay16.

About State Farm®
The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto, home and individual life insurance in the United States. Its 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve more than 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 35 on the 2015 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.