The New New York Attitude

Empire State BuildingIn a previous post, two weeks ago, I promised to let you know how my little experiment towards The New York Attitude went, trying to see if there is another perspective towards the New York City rudeness. I’m now back home, after a very good trip over Memorial Day weekend, and can share my experiences with you.

In the previous trips I made to New York City, I had the experience that people can be extremely rude. What a difference this time! Although I also encountered some rude people, especially in the tourist areas like Times Square and the Empire State Building, my overall picture towards New York changed quite a bit. The only thing that remained the same was the way how taxi drivers fought there little battles on the streets of Manhattan Island.

I approached the whole trip with a more open mind, expecting people to be nice. And it worked. I met some lovely, caring people. And not just in one place. Whether is was Greenwich Village with people hanging out around the fountain in Washington Square, or reading and relaxing in Bryant Park, to people strolling around and playing in Central Park. Even the police officers, shopkeepers and hotel staff were very friendly, helpful and generally caring.

New York City remains one of my favorite cities in the world. I will continue to look at people and situations with a different attitude and will cherish this quote from Wayne Dyer: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.

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  • Michael Willow Jul 2, 2009 @ 11:44

    Excellent post. New York is in my heart. But you said rude for some people? I heard abt that but I didn’t experience rudeness in N.Y. I found them very friendly and helpful. Just a bit rushing and I think some tourists do the mistake to bother ppl with directions while they see them rushing. This IS rude!

    I found them very keen towards other cultures. But yes the taxi drivers are very angry sometimes. Instead I think ppl from NY are very standoffish towards everyone who is not a friend or seven not from their private circle but that’s all until you start knowing them. Then, you will know where you stand off, they are very straight and steady in friendships.

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