How to Act Like a New Yorker

New Yorkers, love them or hate them, are perceived as brash, no-nonsense, brazen, loud, and aggressive types of people. When one is in New York City, it is very easy to tell the out-of-towners apart from the locals. Here are ways to act like the typical, classic New Yorker.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• New York City attitude
• strength
• toughness

1. Wear a lot of black. The typical New Yorker attire consists of black and more black. New Yorkers are not known for wearing lots of prints and colors. Hawaiian shirts are a no-no if you want to blend in with the locals. New York is a hyper fashion-conscious city and wearing black is one trend that is never going away. Dress with style. Leave the comfortable gray sweat pants at home.

2. Don't make eye contact with strangers--or anyone for that matter. New Yorkers are often lost in their own worlds. In other cities strangers say 'hello', smile, or at least make eye contact with people they have never met. However, that is not the case in New York City. The average New Yorker is far too busy to make that kind of effort.

3. Be aggressive on the subway. The Metropolitan Transit Authority can be a crowded, stuffy, slow, unpredictable, and generally unpleasant experience. Commuters are often fighting for the last seat in the car, or even standing space in the car. Be prepared to be pushed, shoved, or even screamed at during rush hour. However, do not take offense--they do this to everybody.

4. Eat at delicatessens. New York is known for delis such as Katz's, Carnegie, and many others. Pastrami on rye sandwiches, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes--this food represents all of the glory and charm of New York City. You cannot act, or become, like a true New Yorker unless you have eaten at a deli, preferably more than once.

5. Vote Democrat. New York, like many other coastal cities in the United States, is overwhelmingly liberal. Republicans are definitely in the minority in this metropolis. Become a liberal (if you aren't already one) or prepare for some stiff opposition in this city.

Tips & Warnings

• It doesn't hurt to adopt a strong Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, or Bronx accent when you talk.

• Stand your ground. New Yorkers generally don't let others push them around.

• Get used to walking. Most New Yorkers don't have cars and who could blame them with the parking situation in the city? Mass transit is the way to go.