There’s no official handbook for living in a big city. However, if you stay long enough, you’ll develop an unspoken code that distinguishes locals from visitors. Yup, those are the small habits and instincts that you pick up over the years that are essential for big-city survival. Here are the 9 unwritten rules that every city dweller knows by heart.
9. Never Treat Public Spaces as Your Living Room
One of the well-known social disrespects involves people who think that public spaces are their own. They’re the ones who talk loudly where others are forced to hear their loud mobile conversations. You should always bring your earbuds or headphones when in public and refrain from spreading your belongings around. The key is to be aware and conscious of what you do.
8. Learn to Navigate Without Disrupting Flow
Getting lost in a big city is inevitable, but there’s a right way to handle it. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk and stare at your phone. This also applies to escalators when you’re figuring out which direction to take. Always consult your map and proceed to the corner to avoid stopping traffic while determining your stop.
7. Develop Selective Awareness
The city teaches you to be hyper-aware of your surroundings while also ignoring what’s happening around. Basically, you notice the person walking too close behind you and ignore the couple arguing out in the open. That’s selective awareness, which is a survival skill that prevents sensory overload while keeping you safe.
6. Master the Art of Efficient Communication
City dwellers often value being direct, so they get to the point quickly. Don’t ask the subway attendant during rush hour, as you’re holding up traffic. Also, save your “how’s your day going?” conversations for when people have time. Still, don’t forget to thank someone or say your excuses, as kindness goes a long way.
5. Know Your Neighborhood Codes
Every city has hyper-local traditions that outsiders find unique and distinct. In Chicago, placing a chair in a parking spot after you’ve shoveled snow claims that spot as yours. Meanwhile, in many cities, certain blocks or corners are understood as territory for specific groups. Locals also know what subway cars to avoid and which streets to walk down at night.
4. Respect the Unspoken Personal Space Bubble
In big cities, personal space becomes precious to many people. With that, you should know not to sit directly next to someone on public transit when other seats are available. Also, don’t stand too close in lines. While inside the train, don’t lean on subway poles that others are holding. Respect the personal spaces of others to make living in a high-density area tolerable.
3. Develop City Anonymity
In other words, this is about minding your own business. It’s amazing how strangers get to coexist while in close proximity and with minimal friction. It’s an unwritten rule that helps people adapt in crowded spaces and live in an urbanized city. Learn to acknowledge someone without invading their personal space or privacy. Don’t mistake this for rudeness; rather, think of it as respect for personal space in places where it’s scarce.
2. Master the Public Transit Dance
The number one rule for public transportation is to let people off before you enter. It’s easy to forget in the midst of rush hour, but failing to follow can create chaos for everyone. Also, avoid making prolonged eye contact unless you know the person well. Public transportation is where millions of strangers coexist, so make it a little bit easier for everyone.
1. The Sidewalk Is a Highway
The sidewalk is basically a two-way street of right and left lanes. If you’re walking with a friend or group, avoid walking side by side. Instead, go in pairs and walk behind each other. This will also ensure that traffic among residents flows smoothly. If you don’t want to be pushed or insulted, then follow this unspoken rule.