10 Basic Rules of New York City Etiquette You Should Know
Whether you’re looking to avoid the pitfalls of subway etiquette or learn more about New York City , there are certain rules that every visitor should know. Here are 10 of them.
It’s OK to ask someone where they’re from, but only once. Doing so repeatedly is offensive. It’s also rude to linger after saying goodbye.
1. Be Polite
In New York City, being polite is more important than ever. In today’s episode, Lindsay interviews Nick Leighton who shares six etiquette crimes that are unique to New York City Etiquette.
For example, New York city Etiquette are very sensitive to personal space. When walking on a sidewalk, it is important to not block other people from passing by. Also, when it rains, you should not leave your umbrella open in front of people. This could get you wet and may also inconvenience those around you.
Nick also notes that New Yorkers are very respectful of time. This means that they will not stand around and chat when others are in line to buy food or a drink. This is a sign of respect for others and a way to make everyone’s day easier. The same goes for the subway; if you are not boarding, let those who are exiting go first.
2. Be Generous
In New York City Etiquette, it’s important to be generous. For example, if you see someone struggling with a cart up the subway stairs, offer to help them. Also, when you’re riding a bike, make sure to stay on the bike lane and don’t block other people’s way.
It’s also polite to hold the elevator or subway door open for others. This is because New Yorkers tend to be very busy and value their time. Therefore, they want to be able to get from one place to another quickly. This way, they can avoid being late for work or other important events. Also, it’s important to be generous when you’re at a restaurant because it’s customary to share food with your neighbors. This includes dishes, coffee and drinks. It’s also polite to help people if they are in need, such as helping elderly or disabled people carry their luggage.
3. Be Honest
New York city Etiquette often have strong opinions on sidewalk etiquette, ranging from scooped bagels to “in line” vs. “on line.” And it’s always a crime to cut in front of someone who is waiting to pay for pizza, ice cream, or movie tickets.
Likewise, people in New York City value their time and are likely to feel annoyed when you are late for dinner or other meetings. It’s also a big etiquette mistake to ask where a person lives within two minutes of meeting them. It’s considered neighborhood profiling and is a rude way to start a conversation.
Finally, it’s a bad idea to pluck your eyebrows, apply mascara, or clip your nails on the subway. And please don’t talk about your ex-boyfriend while sitting next to a married friend. This is considered bad manners in almost any country, but especially in New York.
4. Don’t Blame Others
New York city Etiquette are notorious for having opinions. They have opinions about the way a scooped bagel should be eaten, how to pronounce Fiddy, and whether or not it is appropriate for women to wear bras in public.
In New York, time is precious, and many people are on a tight schedule. It is considered a major etiquette crime to walk slowly on the sidewalk or suddenly stop in the middle of the walkway, blocking other pedestrians from moving through.
Blaming others can be a good way to unload emotional pain you are repressing, but it can also reduce your sense of personal responsibility and negatively impact your relationships. Additionally, it can increase your stress levels and make you feel frustrated and powerless. Therefore, avoiding blaming is important. This can help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One of the biggest mistakes people make is being afraid to ask questions. Especially at work, you should be able to communicate freely with your colleagues and bosses. Asking questions will help you understand processes, goals and workplace culture better.
Einav Hart, assistant management professor at George Mason University, and Eric VanEpps, associate marketing professor at the University of Utah, have studied how asking sensitive questions can lead to more open communication. They define “sensitive questions” as ones that are uncomfortable, inappropriate or reveal information someone would prefer to keep private.
Examples of sensitive questions include asking about someone’s financial status, their religion or intimate details about a relationship. Avoid these types of questions in formal meetings with a large group of people. Instead, try to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the person to discuss your concerns.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
New Yorkers value time and are not afraid to tell people that they’re infringing on their space. For example, it’s an etiquette crime to block sidewalks by walking very slowly or stopping abruptly to text, smoke, look around, or clip your fingernails. This creates an uncomfortable clump that delays everyone behind you and makes them feel stuck.
Learning to say no can help you protect your physical and mental energy, prioritize your work, and spend more time doing things you enjoy. It can also reduce the stress of feeling like you’re constantly letting people down. Despite these benefits, many of us still struggle to say no when asked for something. So, here are some tips to help you do so with ease!
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Thank You”
In New York City, people are often in a rush and time is a big deal. This is why it is important to say “Thank You” when someone gives you something or helps you in any way. This is a small gesture that can make a huge difference.
Nick shares that etiquette can be local and it is important to know the etiquette of any place you are visiting or planning to move to. He believes that knowing etiquette is essential to being able to blend in and make connections easily.
For example, in New York City, it is considered rude to stop and text, smoke or take a picture while walking on the sidewalk. This is because it blocks other people’s way and can cause them to be late for appointments. Also, it is important to be polite to cab drivers and help people with strollers up subway steps.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “I’m Sorry”
In New York City, it’s easy to feel like you need to apologize all the time. After all, this is a fast-paced, crowded city with a unique energy that can be overwhelming for visitors.
But while you can’t control the behavior of other people, you can take steps to make up for your own mistakes. Apologizing shows that you care about others and want to keep a healthy relationship with them.
For example, if you’re walking on the sidewalk and someone’s coming up behind you, step aside to let them pass. Also, don’t stand around texting or smoking if there’s a line at the subway. Instead, help them out or wait for another chance to go. You can even offer to pay for their ticket. These small acts of kindness can help you build healthy relationships.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Hello”
A common stereotype about New Yorkers is that they’re rude and always in a rush. Nick explains that this is due to how highly they value time and how busy the city is. In order to be a friendly New Yorker, you should respect others’ time by walking quickly and not blocking sidewalks. This also goes for e-bikes, strollers, and dogs!
Another tip for being a friendly New Yorker is to say “yes” more often. If someone invites you to try a new activity, go! Even if it’s something you have never done before, saying yes will open up opportunities to meet other people and form lasting friendships. This is also a great way to get to know the city if you’re only visiting for a few weeks!
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Goodbye”
Saying goodbye can be bittersweet. Leaving your coworkers behind can feel like an end to a significant chapter in your life, not unlike the end of a good book or putting away your Aunt Petunia’s favorite tchotchke. But sending a heartfelt goodbye email can help preserve valuable relationships and lay the foundation for future collaborations.
In today’s episode, we interview two-time Emmy Award winning talk show host and journalist Nick Leighton about six New York City Etiquette crimes that are unique to New York City. Listen in now to hear Nick share his best tips! Etiquette may sound dated to progressive New Yorkers, conjuring up images of extended pinkies and stilted conversation. But in this crowded city, the rules of etiquette are more important than ever.
Whether you’re looking to avoid the pitfalls of subway etiquette or learn more about New York City , there are certain rules that every visitor should know. Here are 10 of them. It’s OK to ask someone where they’re from, but only once. Doing so repeatedly is offensive. It’s also rude to linger after saying…