What Makes A New Yorker?

In three days I'll happily be celebrating my 4 year anniversary living in the city that never sleeps. Naturally, this momentous occasion contributes to my curious nature. What makes a person a New Yorker?

My perception on this topic has gone through a few transformations. At first, I claimed the city simply by saying I lived here and that's enough to make me a New Yorker. Alas, that wasn't enough. Yelling at cabs, flipping off the drivers and going as far as to hit their cars on the hood if they attempted to drive in front of me when I have the walk sign was my next move. Certainly, it was done many many times (and still is today). That contributed to my New Yorkness.

Riding the subway and body checking people who try and get on before you get off.
Ordering grocery delivery well past midnight.
Helping give directions or yelling at tourists who insist on stopping right in front of me as I'm walking.
Loving pizza and walking across Brooklyn Bridge to hit that ice cream place and go to Jacque Torres.
Wearing high heals on streets marked with put holes.
Hating Times Square but loving the West VIllage.
Broadway, Off-Broadway, off-off broadway...

The qualities are obviously extensive... but given the recent days of heat which have been far worse than anything I ever experienced in South Florida... my brain can only produce this mini-list. Suffice it to say... the biggest thing I've learned is that New Yorkers are seriously misunderstood people. We're not mean. We're not rude. We have this horribly bad rap all around the world yet when I talk to tourists they constantly tell me how nice New Yorkers are. When they say this to me I always reply by saying "New Yorkers are only mean and rude to people who are psycho or stupid". This undoubtedly always gets a laugh... but in all seriousness... it's 100% true.

I'm proud to be a New Yorker. I'm proud to have had the life lessons that New York and New York alone could give me along with the experiences that could only take place here. The Naked Cowboy, Shakespeare in the Park, Fireworks from several different barges, 150 people doing Yoga in Bryant Park... More importantly... I'm exceedingly happy to make it official!

Happy Anniversary, New York. I love you!