Do in New York as New Yorkers Do

I moved from Kansas to greater New York City area in 2021. My two children live in Brooklyn. Before moving to New York, I smiled and said hi to everyone I met on the street. Now I move around in Brooklyn with the same friendliness.

My children told me in a very nice manner, "Mommy, back in Kansas, you hardly saw any people on the street, but here in Brooklyn, there are so many people, if you wave your hands and say good morning to everyone, you will be exhausted. Plus, since people don't say hi to strangers here, if you do, they will think there's something wrong with you like you have mental problems or you want something from them." In other words, my Midwest friendliness might frighten away the delicate Big Apple folks here.

What a cultural shock! I used to think the democratic state with its famous Statue of Liberty must be the most friendly place on earth, saturated with kindness, compassion, love, humanity, and all the nice things you can name. I guess not. I miss Kansas.