The New York Attitude

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

Whether you are a native New Yorker, a new resident, or a tourist you've heard of the coined expression "New York Attitude." So what really is considered a "New York Attitude?" Can anyone have this said "attitude" or are they qualities that only a native can possess? Well, I'm a native New Yorker and I'm here to explain.

For starters, I would hate for people unfamiliar with New York to actually believe when people say "all New Yorkers have a bad attitude." This couldn't be further from the truth. So let's put it in perspective. Anyone living in New York, native or not, has a lot to deal with. For one, we are always sharing extremely close spaces with hundreds even thousands of strangers. If you don't believe me, get on any train, bus, or car during rush hour. If you are on the train or bus there is about a 99.9% guarantee that you are sitting or standing shoulder to shoulder with some complete stranger.Whether standing or sitting, a stop before you are about to get off you are trying to figure out how you are going to get past the people that are standing, literally, everywhere. Often times, you have two bags in your hand and end up hitting someone with them.

It doesn't get any better if you are a driver. Traffic, traffic, traffic everywhere. You usually have to leave an hour before you need to be somewhere even though without traffic it would normally take you 15 minutes to get there. Then, you wind up circling around for a parking spot that doesn't involve meters or alternate side parking which takes another 20 minutes. You decide to park by a  meter and then end up getting a ticket because your time ran out and you didn't get to your car on time. Every New Yorker has some where to be, something on their mind and everyone is busy or in a rush. So if you happen to be driving the speed limit with or without traffic, you are probably going to get beeped or yelled at. If the traffic light turns green and you wait more than one second to accelerate you will get beeped, yelled at and if you're extra special you'll get the finger. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself in an argument with another driver who is acting crazy and taking it out on me and my driving because they are the ones that are late. Okay, okay I'll admit it...I also yell at other drives when they are driving slow and I'm in a rush, oops.

Then there are the pedestrians. They walk everywhere. Although jay walking is illegal, no one really cares because there is power in numbers. The light can be green but if you have a swarm of 100 people crossing, you aren't moving your vehicle. So there you are stuck in the middle of a huge avenue trying to make a left and there are people walking in front of you or behind you. When the light changes and the people are gone the cars appear. They cut you off and then yell at you for being in the middle of the road. But you're confused because you actually did the right thing so you yell back to defend yourself. If you are a native New York driver, you are used to the yellow taxis who will cut you off any chance they get so you give them extra room. Annoying but you're used to it. What pisses you more off is the black cab, who drives 20mph braking every two feet because they have no clue where they are going. They will turn a corner without signaling and that will send you over the edge for the day.

Aside from the traffic and fast pace, it is a 'melting pot' of cultures, beliefs, gender/sexual preferences, and opinions. On a daily basis, you are interacting with people whose beliefs and opinions are very much different from your own. Most New Yorkers are very open to these differences but sadly there are still people who live in New York who are not. Not only do they reject it, they aren't afraid to tell you how they feel or show you by their facial expressions. One time, I was shopping at a shoe store on 34th Street in Manhattan. I tried on a pair of shoes and was looking in the mirror at my feet. A woman actually had the nerve to tell me "those are ugly, I hope you don't plan on buying them." My response, was something similar to "curse word, curse word, what's it any of your business?!"

Last but not least....... yes every state has their fair share of crazy...and by 'crazy' I mean people. However, it seems to be New Yorkers are extra exposed to the craziness because of the daily interactions with so many people. Living and growing up in New York, I have seen it all. I have experienced the pedophiles who have tried to lure me in their car. I've had people follow me. I've seen men masturbate while looking at me from a distance. I've even had a perfect stranger slap my butt in broad day light in the middle of the street!

I guess now maybe you can understand why we have an "attitude."

So I'd like to think of most New Yorkers as friendly, helpful, and kind (there are always exceptions). However, we aren't going to show it. We are not going to show you our kindness.  You will rarely catch us walking around with smiles on our faces, and if you smile at us, we probably won't smile back. If you are a stranger saying good morning to us we will probably ignore you or look at you like your crazy. Unless we know you and by "knowing you" I mean we see you everyday. And if you are going to stop and talk to us you better talk fast because we are in a rush. We don't mean to be rude, but we just don't have time for it. We mean well but don't show it. It's not that we want to be this way but we have to be. If you are a stranger we have no idea what your intentions are and we aren't going to give you the open invitation. We may come off cold but deep down we aren't. We may come off arrogant but we are probably in a rush or having a bad day. We may give you a dirty look but the look probably wasn't directed towards you.  We have very thick skin because we have to. If you let every little interaction that's upsetting get the best of you, you won't survive New York ever. That is what separates a real New Yorker from some one who is from out of town. Once you have lived in New York for a couple of years, you will develop these skills and blend well with the "natives."

It's a big city. A lot is going on both good and bad. We are usually on the defense. But all in all we are kind. If you don't believe me ask any New Yorker for directions. I bet they will go above and beyond to explain to you what bus you need to take, or what street you need to make a left turn at. Ask any New Yorker where's the best Italian restaurant nearby or which is their favorite place to visit. They'd be happy to share. When things fall in New York, everyone feels the pain. When it gets rough, we stand together. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand for their neighbor and we pull through it together. September 11th, 2001 and natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy are all proof. So although we do have an attitude, it's for a reason. We are a great city. Just don't be so sensitive if a New Yorker acts up with you, it probably has nothing to do with you. There are more positive things out here then negative, this is just how we survive it.

With Love + NY Attitude,
-Miss_NYCity

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