Transplants to New York arrive with clothes of various colors, such as blues, greens and reds. A newcomer’s longevity can be determined by how quickly they begin swapping out colors for the many shades of black.
New Yorkers know that going to Times Square in general is to be avoided, but recent transplants may want to experience New Year’s Eve in the iconic way they see on television. Their first time quickly becomes their last as they realize standing around with tourists who may or may not be drinking for hours with no bathrooms for a 10 second countdown looks better on TV.
The views of Manhattan from a high rise are stunning, but New Yorkers don’t want to pay a hefty entrance fee to see a panorama that can be seen out of many of our skyscrapers where we work, live and play. Besides, photos of the Manhattan skyline are more iconic when the Empire State building is part of the picture.
New York’s five boroughs have different accents and a native can tell if you grew up in Queens or Brooklyn, just by how you talk. Newbies? Well, fuhgedaboudit.
Most visitors and transplants to New York think saying “excuse me” is a polite thing to do. A New York native will tell you that is true, but it can also be rude, pushy, sarcastic and, frankly, offensive. It’s all about the tone and attitude. If you want to test this theory, stand in front of opening subway doors. You’ll experience the difference immediately.
Native New Yorkers will not stand on line (or in line for that matter) for a drink or restaurant. There is always another place to try. There are a few exceptions, such as Shakespeare in the Park or morning caffeine.
A native New Yorker, and honestly anyone who has lived in New York for more than a week, will not wait for a walk signals to cross the street. Instead, we are off the sidewalk, in the street, waiting for a car to pass. 