How To: Have Proper Urban Etiquette
Living in a city means living in confined spaces, interacting with large crowds of people, and fitting into the seemingly chaotic flow of urban life. City living presents a whole new range of etiquette issues that rural folk may not be familiar with, regardless of how well they were raised.
The following is a list of some of the more common issues of etiquette that you're likely to run into while living in, or visiting, an urban environment. While the list is a good starting point, there's no substitute for good, thorough observational skills.
No two cities are alike, but the expectation that you'll make an effort to obey the local rules of politeness and respect is universally applicable.
transportationRespect other subway passengers
Offer your seat in the subway if an elderly person can't find one. The same goes for disabled people and pregnant women. As well, let people out before you get in. While inside, don't fight to remain close to the door.
Leave people alone
Don't disturb others on the subway, especially if they're reading or listening to music. Politeness is one thing, but being overly friendly usually freaks city dwellers out.
Watch your bags
If carrying bags, keep them close to you to avoid hitting others and taking up too much space. If you have more than a few bags, or if they're not easily stored on your lap, take a taxi instead of the subway.
Say thank you
With a hand gesture, thank other drivers who let you cut in front of them on the roads. Resist using a different hand gesture to "thank" other drivers who dangerously cut in front of you on the road.
Walk fast and straight
Don't wander around while walking on the sidewalk — maintain a straight line. This is also an important tip if you're walking with a large group of people; there's no need to walk side by side and take up the entire sidewalk. As well, don't stop dead in the middle of it for no reason and if you walk slowly, make way for others.
shoppingDon't hover at ATMs
Don't stand too close to others at the ATM. Give them personal space. If you don't, they'll think you're up to something.
Use small bills
Don't use $50 or $100 bills to pay for a cup of coffee. You won't look like a player, you'll look like a jerk (especially if the clerk has to ask their manager for change, thus holding up the line for an extra couple of minutes). Because of counterfeit issues, fewer places are accepting big bills, anyhow.
In the same vein, be prepared to pay when the clerk gives you the total. Don't dig around for exact change if there's a line of people behind you.
Respect checkout aisles
10 items or less means 10 items or less. A 12-can box of Coke counts as one item, whereas 12 cans of Coke do not.
Don't bombard salespeople, and make sure you know what to do in the hygiene and dining departments...