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October 23, 2006
The one question you will never get a "yes" to in New York City
"Are you from around here?"
Some guy asked me that on the street today. I am not from here in the sense of being raised here, but I've lived in the city for a while now, and I've learned not to answer non-specific questions from strangers on the street. There are three categories of people who ask vague questions.
1. Tourists who haven't learned the correct procedure to ask New Yorkers for directions
2. Panhandlers luring you into a fake conversation which they hope will serve to make you feel guilty for refusing their subsequent request for money
3. Crazy people
I like avoiding categories 2 and 3, but I'm more than happy to give directions to tourists. The thing is, you have to get your question out immediately. If you see me walking down the street, you have about a half-second window as I pass you to get your complete question out of your mouth and into my ears. I will process it as I continue walking away from you, look back over my shoulder, and give a response. If you squander your half-second by asking if I'm from around here, I'm already gone, baby. Because I AM from around here. And we know not to answer that question.
Posted by tony at October 23, 2006 05:04 PM
Comments
It's good to have you back.
Posted by: Dan Dickinson at October 23, 2006 08:06 PM
