For years friends have been telling me “You’d fit in great in New York.” No doubt thinking of my curtness and impatience. I was looking forward to that. While the city didn’t disappoint for authentic and mind-blowing streetscapes, New York City totally let me down in terms of the legendary rudness of New Yorkers.When a guy shoulder bumps me in a bar, he reached back puts a hand on my shoulder and says, “ hey, sorry, man.” In fact, every time I run into someone on the sidewalk or in the market, it’s not “Hey, watch way ya goin.” No, it’s “oh I’m sorry, hon,” and “Sorry, man.” I find myself reassuring people here, “it’s okay. No problem.“ I go in a corner deli hungry and indecisive expecting the counterman to snap impatiently at me, “Ya gonna orda or what?“ Instead he looks at me, looks at the menu, and says patiently, “Take your time.” Even at intersections when the light turns and I’m distracted by route-finding or staring at black fire escapes against red brick buildings, the guy behind me doesn’t lay on his horn. Instead he gives me a polite toot toot. Even the taxis. New York City is all respectful and considerate and compassionate. NYC, what happened to you?#Shantyboat #ILoveNY #NewYorkCity #NYC #Brooklyn #CrownHeights #Kindness #Consideration #rudeness