New Yorkers are a unique breed of people unlike any other type of person. We think differently, act differently and exist differently. Being from New York comes with a lot of perks and quirks, but also many judgements and stereotypes. Going to school in the south really emphasizes just how different New Yorkers are from people living in other parts of the country, and I have personally witnessed the interesting way others perceive New Yorkers. Here are 10 ways you know you're a New Yorker living in the south.
1. Richmond is not the south.
Many people would say Richmond is not the south, as I've come to learn on many different occasions down here and in other southern places, but to us New Yorkers, it certainly is. Geographically it's the south, and to us, it's the south mentally, too. People act very differently in Richmond than what the typical New Yorker is used to, and the culture is different, too. Now if you're from the south and refuse to believe Richmond is considered southern, then what is it? Richmond is much more similar to other southern cities than it is to Northern cities, that's for sure. So you can keep saying Richmond isn't the south if you'd like, but us New Yorkers will always believe it to be the south.
2. You talk too fast.
New Yorkers are know to always move fast as if we are in a hurry. This is very much consistent with the rate at which we talk. I always have to be aware of how fast I'm talking because people are not used to it down here. If I can talk so fast that I trip up on my own words, I could only imagine a person who isn't used to fast talkers trying to understand me.
3. But you don't have a New York accent?
People in the south are generally surprised that I don't have a New York accent. I'm not exactly sure what they mean, because there are so many different accents from within New York, but I don't think I have any accent at all. In fact, I would say a majority of us New Yorkers have no accent whatsoever. But just because I don't have an accent doesn't mean I don't use New York lingo.
4. People move in slow motion.
Going back to that fast-paced New York way, people in the south seem to move in slow motion. Whether it be walking, eating, writing or driving, everything moves at a snails pace to me down here in the south.
5. You aren't rude.
People are also generally shocked when I'm not a rude person. Yes there are people in New York who can be on the mean side, but that can be said for any place. Don't be so surprised when I hold the door open for you, give up my seat, or simply smile at you. Oh, but I'm definitely still loud, that is for sure.
6. People don't know what New York City is.
This may very well go for New Yorkers too, but people in the south have no idea what New York City is.
7. There's so much space.
The open fields, big gaps between neighbors' houses, and wide, empty streets in the south are something New Yorkers are not used to. Our grid-like layout of roads aren't found in the south, and that makes it even more confusing for us. What is farmland?
8. The train system isn't extensive.
The train system in New York is so useful and a staple part of New York. It's odd not having the train as a main form of transportation in the south like how the LIRR and subway system are in New York.
9. The food.
Grits are great and all, but I need some better bagels and pizza ASAP.
10. The City isn't The City.
People in the south don't understand me when I refer to NYC as The City. To me there is only one "The City" and it's The Big Apple, and I always have to correct myself when using the unfamiliar term down here. People may find it funny that I just assume they know what I'm referring to, but to me they ought to know because there is no place like The City.
