I am a native New Yorker, a born and bred Brooklynite. New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude, and the women unapproachable. Hey, we love you, stylishishly dressed in black, looking good but oh so unapproachable and mean. Sometimes we just want to say hello, with appreciation of your beauty, with no agenda, no “line.” Smile and say hello in return. It may make someone’s day. Remember, that frown will put wrinkles on your face, and you’ll have to add more makeup to hide them.

The friendliest placed I visited was Nashville, TN. More strangers said “Good morning” to me in one day than in ten years in New York City. I kinda forgave them for all the Confederate flags in the gift stores, and the little stereotypical figurines of Uncles Toms and Aunts Jemimas. Kinda. Tried to buy a Confederate flab, but couldn’t bring myself to do such. I would’ve ended up burning it in public, and then I really would’ve seen how friendly my new-found Southern friends were.