New York City has been referred to many ways: as "The City that Never Sleeps," "The Big Apple" and the "concrete jungle where dreams are made." However, New Yorkers have a simpler term for it: home.
But as city that adopts hundreds of thousands of new residents each year, it's tough to pinpoint the exact moment someone becomes a real New Yorker. These signs are generally a good indication that you've shed your "newbie" badge and are officially a New York City initiate.
1. You are physically incapable of waiting on the curb for the walk sign to change.
2. You anticipate that Google Maps will always overestimate your walk time but underestimate driving time.
3. You know a place to drink in every NYC neighborhood, regardless of your apartment location.
4. When getting off the subway, you can accurately direct yourself to the exit closest to your final destination.
5. You know to avoid empty subway cars at all costs, especially at rush hour. It's not a blessing. Trust us.
6. Saying "excuse me" on the street doesn't mean you want to be excused. It has simply become a polite way of saying "get the hell out of my way."
7. You have perfected the eye roll for anyone who is incapable of successfully swiping their metro card on the first attempt at the turnstile.
8. You've seen at least one cockroach, mouse and/or rat in the confines of your home, your subway station or your walk to work.
9. The smell of the Halal/pretzel/nuts/hot dog stands that once seemed appetizing now make your stomach turn.
10. Brunch has become both a therapy session and a religious experience.
11. The only time you truly feel sympathy is when you see a big dog that you realize must live in a tiny apartment.
12. When you're driving a car, you handle it like you're a drag-racing 16-year-old boy or an overly cautious 80-year-old grandmother.
13. You've given up hope that there's ever a good time to go to Trader Joe's.
14. You've become accustomed to perpetual cough brought on by secondhand smoke.
15. You anticipate that a bunch of bananas will cost about three subway rides.
16. Finding a parking spot is lucky. Owning a parking spot is a status symbol.
17. You have no patience for three or more people walking in a row on the street -- since they block everyone from being able to pass.
18. You're so exhausted on the weekends that having guests feels like a chore.
19. You conclude that there is never a good enough reason to venture into Times Square.
20. You plan an escape from the city for every single holiday.
21. You know that trying to catch a cab between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. will leave you stranded and hopeless.
22. You've come to the conclusion that Chipotle is the closest thing to good Mexican food in Manhattan.
23. Pigeons are frequently the subject of your nightmares.
24. Your share one common enemy with your fellow New Yorkers: Time Warner Cable.
25. You not only understand but you actively hate everything about slushy corners.
26. You've gone out for post-work drinks the past 15 consecutive evenings, but can't remember the last time you went out over the weekend.
27. You've discovered that food tends to taste better in your sweatpants.
28. When you're drunk you can't think of ANYTHING but pizza.
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