Let’s get one thing straight:
If you’ve lived in New York City long enough, you develop a sixth sense. Like, you just know when someone’s not from here. It’s in how they walk, what they order, even how they look at Times Square (big giveaway).
So if you’re living in NYC — actually living here — here are 8 things you just don’t do. Ever.
1. You Don’t Stop in the Middle of the Sidewalk
Please. For the love of bagels and bodegas. This isn’t Ohio. You don’t pause to take photos, check your phone, or — God forbid — FaceTime your mom on a crowded sidewalk.
If you do, expect 10 people to shoulder-check you in under 30 seconds.
2. You Don’t Call It “The Big Apple”
No one says that. Ever. Maybe tourists, maybe people on cruise ships. But locals? Nah. It's just “the city,” “NYC,” or “home.” The only apple New Yorkers care about is the overpriced Honeycrisp at Trader Joe’s.
3. You Don’t Take the Subway Without Headphones
Silence is sacred. If you ride the train raw-dogging the noise, you're either a psycho or new in town. And don’t make eye contact with the guy doing backflips in your car. Just… don’t.
4. You Don’t Freak Out Over Rats
They’re part of the ecosystem now. Saw a rat dragging pizza? Cute. Saw one on your train platform? Keep walking. If you scream, someone will film you and you’ll end up on TikTok. True story.
5. You Don’t Go to Times Square — Unless You're Late for a Broadway Show
Times Square is like your ex: looks good in photos, but exhausting in real life. Loud, flashy, and always trying to sell you something.
Locals avoid it like it’s a trap — because it is.
6. You Don’t Complain About the Rent (Too Much)
Yes, it’s criminal. Yes, it’s robbery. But we’ve all made peace with the fact that we’re paying $2,100 to live inside a shoebox with a "charming exposed pipe." You just sigh, sign the lease, and keep it moving.
7. You Don’t Get Starstruck — Unless It’s Rihanna
You’ll pass actors, TikTok stars, and washed-up reality TV people on any random Tuesday. But New Yorkers are built different. We keep our cool.
Unless it’s Rihanna. Then all bets are off.
8. You Don’t Wait for the Walk Sign If the Street’s Clear
Traffic laws? We laugh in their face. If there’s a gap, we go. That’s why cab drivers respect us — or fear us. Either way, it works.
Real Talk
Living in NYC isn’t for the soft. It’s chaotic, wild, expensive, and loud. But once the city gets under your skin, there’s no going back.
You start walking faster. Swearing louder. Loving harder.
And you learn that being a New Yorker isn’t about where you’re from — it’s about how you move.
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