Pic taken today while standing in the vestibule of a moving train.
For years, I used to go to work via the subway where you really don't give a shit about who's on with you and you'd rather just mind your own business and be on your merry way as quickly and painlessly as possible.
For the last 7 months, however, I have been riding Metro North. My particular line, for some reason, is a very social train. There is a guy who I have nicknamed "nice man" who is always very polite. Today he warned me of a track change which I didn't hear because I had my earphones in.
Who says New Yorkers aren't friendly or helpful?
And when a fellow New Yorker on your train calls you old and pretty and old again in the same string of thoughts....well, I think it calls for a punch in the arm. Juuuust a friendly reminder not to be an asshole.
@mralsmith Mmmaybe I like that "rule." But maybe not. lol. Liquid courage is an interesting beast. Funny you should mention it...the guy who was talking to me wasn't sloppy drunk but he had been drinking.
An interesting capture and lively topic. In 2001 when we visited NYC we were warned to adopt a low profile on the trains. We must have been judged 'harmless' as we walked down the train looking for a seat. One young man got up to move to a single seat so that we could sit together. Within minutes we were engaged in a lively discussion about the 'best places' to visit. This spread to almost the entire carriage. We love the New York trains.
@tonydebont When I see families or a parent with a younger one or two and they can't get a seat together, I'll give up mine if there's an empty one next to me to accommodate both. If I overhear someone who appears new to the city and isn't sure where to go/visit, I'll chime in with my $.02 sometimes. Normally I just like to keep to myself though, put on my sunglasses and put my iPhone earphones in my ears as a way of trying to stay unengaged.
I once had a 'stalker' of sorts when I was commuting on the NJ Transit for a short bit. I had once engaged in a friendly exchange or two with someone and he took it to mean much more than it did. After three months of not really making an effort to talk to him when I saw him on the train, he followed me up to street level at NY Penn Station and YELLED at me for ignoring him, going on about how he watches me turn away and walk away whenever I see him. It was bizarre. I changed up my commute a little bit after that.
@fauxtography365 I can understand your reluctance to engage with people when there are these 'crazy' individuals. As we were both over 60, there was no threat of stalkers. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
hahaha now dont get my brother started on Metro North stories! There are times that we can all use an emergency exit!!! Cool shot and thought provoking.
Too late @michaelelliott I'm here and will jump right in! Actually, nothing to add. I'll be a nice man and refrain from bitching up a storm. I feel you Tina. Wish you the best. Neat pic.
@carolb I have some interesting train/commuting stories. Just don't know what's appropriate to share lol.
I once had a 'stalker' of sorts when I was commuting on the NJ Transit for a short bit. I had once engaged in a friendly exchange or two with someone and he took it to mean much more than it did. After three months of not really making an effort to talk to him when I saw him on the train, he followed me up to street level at NY Penn Station and YELLED at me for ignoring him, going on about how he watches me turn away and walk away whenever I see him. It was bizarre. I changed up my commute a little bit after that.