Quote:
Originally Posted by tomwed
In the northeast we are taught to be self-centered and not mindful of others. That takes many years of practice and studying but as soon as we pass the test they ship us to Florida. That's why we make up 40% of the population and don't see it on a regular basis.
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That's funny, and I appreciate the humor. But there is some bit of truth in there. Northeasters, especially because of the overcrowded conditions, tend to be more self-centered--and I do not mean "self-absorbed" at all. It's not all about them. It's all about their attempts to get around.
We lived in north Jersey for three years after being raised and living in Pittsburgh, one of the friendliest cities in the US (had to get that in). We noticed how difficult it is to accomplish daily-living chores in north Jersey, such as grocery shopping, driving from point A to point B on overcrowded highways, getting to the post office (you think the lines here are long???). Even to the point of there not being enough grocery carts at Pathmark for all the customers, and lines to check out snaking down the aisles. And don't even think about going to a shopping mall during Christmas and expect to find a place to park, much less checking out with less than an hour's wait.
After the first year, when we got involved in the schools and talked to people at our little neighborhood beach and bus stops, people got to know you and loosened up. What we had been seeing was the general public. Then we got to know the people around us. Great people.
Sorry if I'm off topic. Now back to The Nerve of Some People...