I just don’t think I’m friendly enough for the South.
I mean, really, I’m supposed to wave to you? I don’t even know you.
Making eye contact in New York is either a sign of aggression or weakness. You’re either challenging someone, or you’re opening yourself up to any number of lunatics: pollsters, Scientologists, comedy club hucksters, or a homeless woman who gets right in your face and yells merrily, “You are the UGLIEST girl I’ve ever seen.”
Not that that last one has ever happened to me.*
Not that that last one has ever happened to me.*
But in Alabama, people only walk for leisure, tossing out waves and smiles as freely as dollar bills at a strip joint. I just don’t know how to handle this. I mean, what do these people want from me? By the time I remember to return the smile, those folks are already in my rearview.
How does a girl used to paying attention to no one else on the street avoid becoming the oblivious chick that offends the neighbors?
I think I’m in need of a multi-step program.
*Okay, it happened in May 2000 on the corner of W. 50th & 8th Ave. I was on my way to a date. Didn’t do much for the old self-esteem, even if the woman was missing teeth and looked more than halfway deranged.
2 comments:
When I 1st moved to NYC I noticed that NO ONE would look at me when I went on a run along the East River, but home in the burbs, it's rude NOT to say hello to a passing walker/runner. Oh NYC and your friendly ways ;)
Ha! There would be people in the halls at work that wouldn't even make eye contact or return a "hello"!
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