Generalizations never work (ah, a generalization), but one thing I have observed about New Yorkers is that they are uncomfortable with politeness. Being polite means performing kindness, which is one step removed from just being kind when the situation calls for it. When a New Yorker is kind, it is because he/she is truly appreciative. (To avoid glorifying New York culture, I will say that there are many other ways that this city is illogical; most of the examples I can think of have to do with the exorbitant cost of living.) The point is, if you are a sensitive person as I have been told a few times that I am, the littlest thing can hurt your feelings. In New York, there are fewer niceties that get in the way. I’m much less paranoid here because most of the time, people are saying what they mean and choosing to live the way they want.
There are so many learned illogical formalities that have no place in New York and that’s one reason why I love it here.
