In a New York State of Mind…

As a displaced native NYer, now living in suburban LA LA Land, I admit that nothing grates more than FAKE smiley and perkiness (which is a frequent MO here, often among people new to the Industry).  When NYers exhibit smiley and perky behaviour, there is generally a legitimate reason, such as:

1. They are trying to sell you something 
2. They are on drugs
3. They hit the lotto (hey, you never know)
4. The mayor is actually someone they can tolerate for a few years
5. They’ve had the perfect Espresso Ice from La Lanterna Di Vittoria and now will not be able to sleep for four nights (but won’t care)
6. They’ve published their first poem in the New Yorker
7. It’s opening night on Broadway and they’ve scored seats in the middle orchestra for under $400
8. The Knicks actually won a game
9. They found a parking space right in front of their building, and due to alternate side-of-the-street parking, will not have to move the car for 2 days
   But the most important reason a NYer will smile and perk at you is:
10. They really, really, like you!