“It’s like having a man in the house without actually having a man in the house.”

We’ve all heard the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” For single parents, having supportive neighbors can be even more crucial. Kelsey Will, a single mom sharing her experiences on TikTok under the handle @kelseywont, has discovered a unique setup: living next to a single dad in a duplex. She calls this her “greatest life hack ever.” Both have their own separate living spaces, yet they are connected enough to enjoy all the benefits of being neighbors without the hassles of being actual roommates.

Kelsey describes her neighbor as her built-in best friend. Whenever one of them needs a helping hand, the other is right there, ready to assist. Whether it’s borrowing items or handling household chores, they support each other in ways that are typically reserved for close family or friends. For example, while Kelsey handles hair emergencies, her neighbor happily takes out the trash, embracing tasks often dubbed “man of the house” duties. They even think of each other when getting takeout dinners, showcasing a harmonious and supportive coexistence.

Parenting challenges are no exception to their supportive relationship. Kelsey recounts an instance when her neighbor was stuck on picture day without a clue on styling his daughter’s hair. At 7 a.m., the little girl knocked on Kelsey’s door, and she was more than happy to help out by styling her hair.

Although their friendship includes moments that border on what many would find to be too intimate, like Kelsey assisting in popping a pimple on her neighbor’s neck, it remains purely platonic. As Kelsey humorously assures on TikTok, “There are no romantic feelings involved,” though she admits it could make for a compelling story on a romance-based book platform like BookTok.

Their story has gained much positive attention online, with folks in the comments expressing their admiration and hopes for a romance-like climax—one that perhaps even Hallmark could portray. Some comments even anticipate the possibility of them falling in love after their children have grown up and flown the nest.

Interestingly, their arrangement has not only inspired single parents but also spurred humor among married folks, with one commenter joking about the need for a duplex to strengthen their own marriage.

The overwhelming reaction from the audience emphasizes a simple, yet profound sentiment: the joy and contentment that comes from humans lending a hand to one another. It’s stories like these that remind us of the importance of community and support in everyday life. This warmth and humanity are truly “the raddest part of life,” as one commenter so perfectly put it.