Let me tell you about the people of New York.

The people of New York have a bad rep. They may not always greet you with a smile. They may not always ask you how your day is going. They’ll probably give you a dirty look if you’re walking slow on the sidewalk. But the people of New York all have an interesting story. 

I made it a point every day during the NY trip to venture off on my own. For a minimum of an hour a day I spent talking to strangers, searching for the best view, and trying to find the best slice of pizza. 

And despite all my interactions with people, I didn’t come across a single “mean New Yorker.” I shared a laugh with a grill cook late at night about how we both hated how customers always showed up right before closing time. I tried my best at bargaining with a man with a collection of pins that didn’t find mine as valuable. I exchanged a head nod and a chuckle with a mom of 3 kids trying to get them to all sit still on the subway. 

I strongly urge you to go out and listen. You don’t need to have a conversation with everyone you see, but you can listen in more than just one way. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and observe. You might be blown away by the stories of the people around you.

-B