"Neighbors don't make friends, relatives don't leave" is a common saying in traditional Chinese culture that describes the wisdom of keeping an appropriate distance from neighbors and being cautious in dealing with relatives.
On the side of neighbors, keeping a certain distance can reduce possible strife and conflict. Although building good relationships with neighbors is important for community life and helping each other, getting too close can also lead to too many distractions and conflicts. Therefore, maintaining appropriate boundaries of intimacy and mutual respect helps to maintain harmonious neighborhood relations.
When it comes to relatives, a cautious way of interacting can avoid unnecessary conflicts and disputes. Relationships between relatives are often complicated, and people may have more expectations and a sense of responsibility due to blood ties. However, too frequent interacting with relatives can also lead to conflicts of interest and emotional exhaustion. Therefore, it is wise to maintain a moderate level of kinship, set personal boundaries and avoid getting involved in sensitive topics.
This wisdom comes from long-term social experience and observation, and is passed down in traditional culture. They are intended to remind people to maintain moderate distance and prudent behavior in relationships to ensure personal tranquility and harmony. However, we should also be flexible according to our own values, contexts, and realities, and adhere to the principles of respect, honesty, and kindness to others.