Strangers in the city

I moved to New York six months ago and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Overall I love living here because there’s so much to do and it’s a lot of fun. On the other hand, there are several things which still bother me. I enjoyed the readings this past week and it got me thinking about the city and the people living in it. I had an experience a few days ago which will now help me express my feelings about New York.

I was on my way back home from class when an old lady blocked my way on the street. I took my headphones off and then she asked if I can hold her hand so she can cross the street because she’s scared. Hmm… Even before agreeing to this weird offer she was already leaning on my hand.

We crossed the street in slow motion. The traffic light changed from green to red and then green again. But we made it. I thought that was the end of that, but she didn’t let go of my hand and kept on walking, still holding my hand. She said she needs to go to Urban Outfitters to buy something for her friend. The store was four blocks away. I knew that she’s not going to let go so I walked with her. I initiated some small talk because it became kind of awkward. We talked about the weather and Manhattan but when I asked for her name she refused to answer because she doesn’t trust strangers. She was still leaning on my hand while she said that!! That’s when I realized that she’s a little crazy..

After walking four blocks in a record time of 20 minutes we said our goodbyes. On the rest of my way back home I realized that this is exactly why New York is New York! She asked for my help, but I can’t ask for her name because I’m a stranger! And it makes some sense. This city has millions of people; all are strangers to each other. While walking down the street or in the subway we try to avoid contact with those strangers, who also happen to be our neighbors. We will never say ‘hi’ to a stranger on the street, but at night we’ll go to a bar to meet them.

In a weird way, we lean on each other. We need to have all those strangers in our lives. We need the streets to be busy and the trains to be cramped (or not..). We need those strangers to play their role so we can all create this unique city which is New York.