If you have ever strolled down the busy streets of New York City, then you know one thing for sure — this city has a lot of energy and diversity to offer. I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I have come to learn that New Yorkers are very proud of where they live and the experience of living there. However, there are certain things they do not like hearing.
In this list, I will share with you 8 things that you really should never say to a New Yorker.
Featured Image Credit: Ray Rodriguez /Pexels.com.
“You’re Not Like Other New Yorkers”
You may sound a little patronizing when you say this. New Yorkers take pride in who they are. Saying someone is different than other people that live in New York feels like a backhanded compliment – What’s wrong with other New Yorkers and living around them?
“I Could Never Live Here”
Saying you would never want to live in NY feels like an insult. New Yorkers are very proud of the place they call home and suggesting that it is inhabitable or unbearable could actually be considered inappropriate.
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“Isn’t It Dangerous Here?”
New York had a reputation for crime in the past, but many neighborhoods are now safe and desirable. Asking about safety can make you seem naive or out of touch (as locals strut the streets of their local neighborhoods without a second thought.)
“I Can’t Believe How Expensive It Is!
Asking about how expensive it is to live there may come across as a judgment against their decision. It would be far more respectful to inquire about where you can [affordably] go or how they budget to live in one of the most well-known cities in the world.
“The Pizza Isn’t All That Great”
Don’t do it! New Yorkers will fight you over their pizza. Many New Yorkers are passionate about pizza. Everyone has a favorite joint – so ask them where they would go in the city for “The best pizza,” making sure to express real curiosity about their food.
“You Must Miss the Quiet Life”
To argue New Yorkers secretly wish for a quieter life is to be condescending. A majority of these people enjoy the vibrancy and free-form ethos that comes with big-city life. Rather than suggesting they should want another experience, why not ask them what their favorite thing is about their city’s energy?
“Can You Take Me to Times Square?”
Asking a local to direct you around well-known (and overly touristy) landmarks (like Times Square) can annoy the locals. Instead, inquire about some potentially overlooked locales or neighborhood gems (e.g. the High Line and Prospect Park in Brooklyn) as a more thoughtful entry point.
“Do You Ever Sleep?”
The idea that New Yorkers are just too busy to sleep is seemingly bordering on name-calling. The metropolis where everyone is always in a rush, also cherishes slower days spent on leisure. Comments like that imply what they do is not healthy, so it’s best to ask them how on earth do you find balance with a life this insanely busy?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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