People there just don't seem to know how to interact with others (I've never been there, but that is the very strong impression I get from television and movies, and from anecdotal statements like yours).
New Yorkers need to get over their issues with strangers. To me it is perfectly normal to say hi to someone you don't know, and have never seen before. I talk to strangers on the bus all the time, and usually it causes no problems. It is called being a friendly person, and seems to be something NYC lacks. There is something wrong IMO in the social makeup of residents of that city, some self-absorbed scared of others shell that New Yorkers have put themselves into.
To me, it is just unnatural.
Among the millions, in NYC, you are just some guy and nothing makes you more deserving of a 'hello' or 'how do you do?' than the next person (of which there are too many to count).
Besides, it is hardly the only place with this type of mindset. If you really want to see people who couldn't care less about your existence on this planet, take a walk down the major thoroughfare of your choice in London or Paris.
does seeing someone reading a book you like justify striking up a conversation
- 10/09/2011 08:21:28 PM
1712 Views
Only if you fancy them and are using it as an excuse to chat them up. *NM*
- 10/09/2011 11:44:07 PM
595 Views
I wouldn't interuppt someone while they are reading.
- 11/09/2011 03:16:50 AM
1550 Views
it is pretty easy tell if they would rather just be reading
- 12/09/2011 03:13:30 PM
1345 Views
I guess my thing is I just hate to be interrupted and don't want to do it to someone else
- 12/09/2011 04:28:30 PM
1410 Views
you get that immersed even in public area?
- 12/09/2011 06:52:54 PM
1277 Views
Usually. If it's not a situation where I CAN, I just won't read.
- 12/09/2011 07:23:48 PM
1428 Views
I used to be timid. Now I don't care and will happily interrupt.
- 11/09/2011 07:42:35 AM
1421 Views
it's the "i will probably never see again" i can't get my head around
- 11/09/2011 10:21:45 AM
1373 Views
Answers to questions asked.
- 11/09/2011 03:34:32 PM
1355 Views
i asked because i wondered how many people would welcome it or view it as an intrusion
- 13/09/2011 02:25:32 PM
1375 Views
I have just gone up to someone and said "good choice in book"
- 11/09/2011 04:49:21 PM
1327 Views
did he reply or did you back away...staring and pointing at the book?
- 13/09/2011 02:27:45 PM
1422 Views
- 13/09/2011 02:27:45 PM
1422 Views
I can't resist that. I will always say something. Many people have done the same with me
- 11/09/2011 06:10:36 PM
1529 Views
How do you even figure out what they're reading?
- 12/09/2011 05:44:30 AM
1446 Views
i look at the cover, i very rarely see someone reading a book bent back on itself *NM*
- 13/09/2011 02:31:52 PM
744 Views
Thats why I am glad I don't live in NYC
- 15/09/2011 05:41:47 PM
1515 Views
NYC really is a concrete 'jungle'
- 15/09/2011 09:41:59 PM
1424 Views
Thats just irritating when it happens to me...I never would do that to another human. *NM*
- 12/09/2011 08:54:06 AM
710 Views
i love the farseer books too! and yeah a little weird, but not that weird *NM*
- 13/09/2011 10:37:53 PM
557 Views
