Like A Good Neighbor

[clem21]

Just when you were losing faith in humanity...Tonight I was heading out of my apartment building at around 8 and I noticed a middle aged man who I sort of recognized from my building looking at me in an oddly concerned sort of way. I shook it off till I came home shortly after 10 to find this man standing at my apartment door with a winter coat in hand. Turned out Mr. Jack (his name) was worried that I couldn't afford a winter coat which is why I was going out in ten degree weather in only a sweatshirt, so he brought me one of his married sons' old winter coats which he apparently dug out of his closet. I was really amazed and impressed that a total stranger would care so much and I told him so (after, of course, explaining to him that my body doesn't function like normal people and that I don't usually feel cold).

Anyway, I just thought it'd be a nice story to share and a good retort to those people who say that New Yorkers are rude and uncaring. Apparently not.

[kayrharris]

I'm glad someone is watching out for you! That was very sweet and thoughtful of him.
Of course, alcohol warms you up as well. Just sayin'....

[TheConfessor]

Anyway, I just thought it'd be a nice story to share and a good retort to those people who say that New Yorkers are rude and uncaring. Apparently not.

They also respond admirably when planes land in the Hudson. Some New Jersey folks probably helped as well.

[kayrharris]

My friend Patty and I had a nice Jewish man pay for our taxi when we shared a ride with
him on our last trip there. He was quite nice. I've never really found New Yorkers unfriendly.

[Bob Juch]

Anyway, I just thought it'd be a nice story to share and a good retort to those people who say that New Yorkers are rude and uncaring. Apparently not.

They also respond admirably when planes land in the Hudson. Some New Jersey folks probably helped as well.

Hopefully not every day.

[silvercamaro]

I was really amazed and impressed that a total stranger would care so much and I told him so

I am not at all surprised that you attracted the attention of a dear, sweet man, who worried about you. I am not at all surprised that such a person -- and many such people -- live in New York City. I'm also glad that you had a coat, but didn't think you needed it. That doesn't surprise me either, as my kid has been known to go snowboarding in shorts and a t-shirt.

My personal sweet New York story comes from a visit I paid to a friend in New York about a decade ago. The friend lived in north Washington Heights, not far from the Cloisters. I'd been told what the cab ride should cost from Penn Station, so that I could be aware if (or when) I was being ripped off. My driver not only got me to the apartment house for several dollars less than the fare I'd expected, but he got out of his cab, toted my suitcase, and waited with me on the sidewalk until I could ring my friend and get buzzed inside the building. At the time, I thought the gesture was unexpectedly gallant and charming, and it was not until a few minutes later that I realized that he was making sure I would be safe. I still remember that lovely man with appreciation.

[marriedmefliesfree]

Another nice New Yorker story...

Nina and I were flying to Newark, on our way to Norway for Christmas. NN was arriving in Newark from Mumbai around the same time we'd be landing, so we were meeting there. On my solo leg with the bambina, I had my rolling suitcase, her car seat hanging on the handle, her diaper bag strapped on top of that, my shoulder bag, and the kid in a sling. Quite the haul. Once assembled, I could get around quite well, but it took me three trips with her in the sling to get it all in the plane before I could get her situated in the car seat.

A wonderfully nice man insisted on carrying ALL of our bags off...wouldn't let me carry anything but Nina. NN was waiting for us at the gate, so we both got to express our thanks. The guy had been stuck in Cleveland the night before due to a winter storm, but was so pleasant and happy to help.

[peacock2121]

All of these stories brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart.

[christie1111]

Okay, I'll add my nice NY cab story....

Family1111 was in at the Natural History Museum when Kids1111 were little. As many of you know, there are certain streets that have entry ramps to the West Side Highway so I had a map out in the passenger seat while waiting at a light to make sure we were on the correct street. Cabbie next to me gestures to roll the window down and asks me could he help with directions.

I looked at him in surprise and said something to the effect that his perfect english and helpful nature was going to ruin the reputation that most NYC taxi drivers had. He told me that was his goal in life.

And we were on the correct street.

[ulysses5019]

[quote] I looked at him in surprise and said something to the effect that his perfect english and helpful nature was going to ruin the reputation that most NYC taxi drivers had. He told me that was his goal in life.

[/quote



So, he wasn't from Yorkshire?

[christie1111]

I looked at him in surprise and said something to the effect that his perfect english and helpful nature was going to ruin the reputation that most NYC taxi drivers had. He told me that was his goal in life.

[/quote



So, he wasn't from Yorkshire?

Funny!

The driver of my car had a nice Yorkshire accent. The cabbie had a classic native NY accent!