((It’s a highly passionate, driven and competitive city where everyone is on a mission, but with millions on that same kind of mission it is critical to not miss a beat or it could cost you a lot — and where the variables are huge and the stakes high, folks have the mindset that you gotta have teamwork to get through the city so we all can be successful. Teamwork meaning, no lollygagging, no delays in moving forward at a light change, being aware of me and I you so we can both cut through the crowds without cutting each other off.))

So it’s a silent code of honor, if you will. Surprisingly, I have found New Yorkers to be the most considerate and aware residents out of the various places I have traveled and lived — centering around Philadelphia, DC-Annapolis and Nashville. Many times I have experienced or watched New Yorkers give up a seat, or two, for a mother and/or child — sometimes even a couple people making simultaneous offers for the little ones, who aren’t babes but between 4 & 7 to have their seat.

Another major difference in New Yorkers bar none, is they (in cars) will move out of the way for an emergency vehicle the second they hear the siren, even if it is yet a block away. I know that sounds silly, but I have watched drivers across this country block roadways, make ambulances remain on their back bumper honking until they finally give way, even though they had plenty of foreknowledge — presumably. So for NYC, it truly speaks to their level of consideration and awareness — again the silent code of respecting the urgency of each person’s path.

As for smiling — well, that makes you a target for panhandlers and those people handing out fliers or hawking things — by not smiling, we make ourselves less vulnerable to intruders, tourist rackets and as a woman, unwanted attention. I already get comments here and there as I pass by men, but if I turned on a 1000-watt smile, geesh, the danger factor would jump by 1000 percent. Although I do feel very, very safe in NYC.

New Yorkers are always willing to help — suggest a place to eat or see, let you know which way uptown is once you emerge from the subway, or how to get somewhere — never once have I been put-off by someone as I have learned to navigate the city. But the rules are simple: have manners & be respectful, don’t be a dingbat and be aware of your surroundings — then NYC will be your oyster!

I much prefer Boston!

“At the onset every New Yorker we met had a rough exterior, but as soon as we talked to them (typically when they were forcibly seated and calm, like on a Subway) they were nice, and it seemed almost craving friendly human interaction. Or maybe, and more probable, this Midwestern girl just can’t cut it around tough city people.”

Remember, you grew up there, but I grew up in the quiet country of Ohio and Michigan – and yes, John’s brother didn’t give us much direction, we should have done some more research but didn’t have time. As I also said – I’ll be back with more time and more patience.

Thanks for your comment… hope again, I cleared that up a bit.