A move to New York is filled with expectations and certainties. New York is loud, crowded, and full of energy, these are absolute certainties. There was also the expectation of rude, short tempered, and uninterested people waiting around every corner. This could not be further from the truth. It did not take long to realize that New York is filled with small tight knit neighborhoods that mesh to create this amazing city.
Living in Brooklyn we enjoy a close community filled with friendly faces. People seem to look out for each other in a way that you can't get in a suburban environment. The businesses are family owned and the owners care about your patronage. Visit any place a couple times and they treat you like family.
Another great surprise has been how thoughtful strangers are throughout the city. People readily volunteer a seat on the train to young children and the elderly. Ignore the need to give up your seat and your likely to be shamed out of it by another person on the train. A young mom carrying a stroller up the stairs, a school aged boy lugging his backpack or a mom carrying bags are asked if they would like help on a regular basis. Chivalry is alive and well in New York! This has been a huge surprise. New Yorkers have kept their friendly demeanor well hidden. Sorry New York but the secret's out!!
Surprised
