On Becoming a New Yorker

Recently, a friend from L.A. came to visit, and reminded me of all the things I've since become desensitized to. That is, things about New York that I no longer notice and no longer trouble me (I had no idea this was possible!) Well, really, there were two main things: overpriced food, and crowded spaces.

On overpriced food, I've come to not notice that $20 for a tofu rice bowl, or $9 for a sandwich is exorbitant. I've also come to not notice that shelling out $20 at the local corner store for a couple of snacks is ridiculous.

Also didn't think it was possible, but I'm also less sensitive to crowds. A little bumper bump or elbow brush is no longer a big deal. Pushing and shoving my way to get into a) a bar; b) a club; c) the train; d) the bus; e) the bathroom; f) the local corner store; has become totally normal!

Gone are the days of arm's-length (or car's-length) distance that is characteristic of L.A.

Some time about a month ago I was walking at a steady pace up Amsterdam Avenue after having just come out of a Duane Reade. My gaze was fixed on the ground in front of me, slightly ahead and to the right (as most New Yorkers are apt to do). Some poor older woman meekly cried out, "Excuse me..." and I didn't even bat an eyelash. Her cry for help didn't even slow my pace. I just kept walking! It was not conscious on my part! It only dawned on me two seconds later that perhaps someone needed help but by the time I cast my gaze over my shoulder she had already moved on. She didn't appear homeless or on crack, she genuinely seemed lost! At what point I became a callous New Yorker is beyond me.

Fall again: