"Let me get a cup of cawfee."
Aside from the obvious accent, there are other things New Yorkers do that set them apart from people who are not originally from New York. New Yorkers are always commuting somewhere and usually are rushing, with that comes a lot of hilarious and strange behavior.
(1) The 'Go Fast then Slow' Walk: It's simple, every person who comes to New York eventually learns that "jay walking" (meaning you don't follow the walking traffic rules and cross whenever and wherever the hell you feel like it!) is common. It's illegal but not enforced. So New Yorkers have developed an interesting way to cross the street. Here's the scenario, you looked before you crossed the middle of the street (where you're not supposed to) and everything was clear but then a car appears. You begin to jog a little because you feel bad being in his/her way but when you see the car getting closer and gradually slow down, you stop jogging and you walk the rest of the way across the street usually making the driver have to come to an almost complete stop. Rarely do you see someone commit to jogging or walking the whole way. I appreciate this walk over the person who just walks slow while the driver has the green light and then gives you that dirty look like "What are you gonna do?" I'm gonna let you walk but you better watch your walking and your attitude because there are people don't care. Take caution while you walk and let drivers have their turn!
(2)The Subway Nap: Ever notice while you're riding a subway there is always that one person knocked out on the train? Some people take a little cat nap and others take a full blown night cap. Well I've always been leery of this and I myself refuse to nap on the train for safety reasons. BUT I know plenty of family members and friends who allow the rhythm of the train to put them to sleep and miraculously they always wake up in time for their stop.
(3)The Dodge: As a driver or a walker you know how to navigate the streets of New York with one thing being your target ---WHEREVER THE HELL YOU NEED TO BE. So you've also mastered the art of "The Dodge." Dodging people, dodging cars, dodging puddles, dodging the infamous NY pidgeons that walk like New Yorkers, dodging bikes, dodging potholes, etc.
(4)The 'Do I Fit?': This applies to drivers and subway/bus riders. Finding a spot to sit or park your car is a rarity. Some people have no clue and others have mastered the art of parallel parking. I've been driving in NYC since I was a teen so I can say I've mastered this. But not everyone has, and if you haven't you really shouldn't try to fit in a spot you are not sure you fit in. I will not squeeze my car into a spot and scratch up another car in the process because I love my car and I respect other people's property but for YOU jerk offs who don't... well you know what you can do. Same goes for people on the train. You should know how big you are, if you don't fit in a seat don't squeeze yourself in making everyone around you miserable. It's not proper etiquette! We can always tell when there's a new driver or a driver from out of town on the road by the way they drive (slow) and the way they park.
(5)The Speedwalk: This is hilarious. A New Yorker can have a day off and still be speed walking like they are on a timed mission. You don't have anywhere to go but you're walking so fast you're sweating! Some people are chill but majority of New Yorkers walk and talk fast. I know I'm so guilty of this!
(6)The "Seen That Before": You can always tell a New Yorker from a tourist by the quick glance they give to something out of the ordinary. New Yorkers are exposed to a lot of things on a daily basis so rarely are we shocked when we see something that may be crazy to others. We may take a quick glance just to check what's going on but then we keep it moving. Tourists on the other hand, walk slow, take pics, stop, stare, etc. For others it's a culture shock, for us it's just a regular day.
(7)Avoiding Social Interactions: It's true people in New York don't say "good morning" unless they've known you. And by known you I mean, they have to see you at least 3 days out of the week straight for at least 3 weeks straight. I know as a female, I've experienced it all at some point while commuting. I've dealt with drunks on the train, people engaging in inappropriate sexual acts on the other side of the train while looking dead at me, and the whistles and comments about my appearance as I walk. So many annoying things!! In general I have my guard up and that comes with a face of attitude. It doesn't mean I have an attitude it means try me and you may get exactly what you were looking for...dependent on mood. One of two things may happen depending on (a)how disrespectful you are (b)how I'm feeling. On one day I may go lash out and on another day I may just ignore and roll my eyes. Depends on the day, depends on my mood. You don't like it, oh well. My priority is protecting myself first before being friendly with a stranger who may just be trying to take advantage. If you are new to New York you will develop this, it's an unspoken rule but it's the way you have to be to survive.
(8)The One Second Beep: There's something about New York City that is like no other and that is the rush of it all. People are in such a rush that if you do not move your car within 1 second of the light changing, someone will honk the horn at you. I know, this must be overwhelming and frustrating for you out of town drivers and new drivers but hey it's the way it works around here. So get moving!
(9) The Balancing Act: Ever notice while you are on the train or bus there are some people that can walk while the bus or train is in full motion, stop and go, and not even fall. I've seen people on the train who don't even hold on or lean. I'm too clumsy for that. I've also seen some hilarious things like people falling out of the train while leaning on the doors. Be safe out there!
(10)The "You're Not Allowed in my Lane": Quite annoying, I must admit. I think it's nice to share the road with other drivers but here's what I'm not gonna do. I am NOT going to let you into my lane if you've had your left signal blinker on for more than 5 seconds. Why? To me that signals you are (a)unpredictable (b) lost (c) searching your phone for directions (d) sleepy or (e) not paying attention. I want to avoid an accident so I will just try and get past you before letting you in front of me. So please, if you are switching lanes the way to do it in NYC is a quick signal and then move into the lane. Most NY drivers are very aware so we see you! Otherwise you will receive the unspoken chain reaction of drivers who will refuse to let you in.
Have you experienced any of this? Do you do this? I know I do!! Feel free to share any funny stories or opinions. I love hearing for you!
It's a New York thing.
Love,
Miss_NYCity
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