Well I've raveled all over and try to follow these rules everywhere - unless it's someplace with different rules (like where to stand on the escalator in the tube). It's a function of being aware of your surroundings - as opposed to oblivious as so many tourists seem to be.

As for greeting someone in a shop in NYC - usualy there is no one to greet - since they are serving other customers already. And when you get to the counter to pay all they want is the credit card - not a lot of chitchat. You can say good mornng if yuo want - but a lot of times wil jut get a stare back. The Parisian example is fine if you have a lot of staff and relatively few customers. When the situation is the other way around - it's a waste of everyone's time - and will aggravate those waiting their turn to be served.

It does not take any extra time for people to say please and thank you during a transaction. In any city.

I agree with Dohlice, and I think it might be the end of civilization if people stop saying please and thank you because it will "aggravate those waiting their turn to be served"!

If you are in Central Park, stay on the sidewalk if at all possible. Do not walk shoulder to shoulder, 3-4 across abreast on the street.

People are clueless - they walk well off the side on the street in CP and a bunch of rollerbladers or cyclists pass them by at 20+ mph and they still don't get on the side. Note: Bicycles do not stop on a dime from 25 mph, without serious damage to cyclist.

During a public NYRRC or other running race, do not dash across to the other side as the runners pass. I have had so many close calls.

Add my agreement to the sentiments of the last two posters. Again, I'd hardly call the Parisian shopping example a Rule (with a capital "R"), but rather an example of good manners, which I try to use no matter where I am!

Add my agreement to the sentiments of the last two posters. Again, I'd hardly call the Parisian shopping example a Rule (with a capital "R"), but rather an example of good manners, which I try to use no matter where I am!

It is more than manners in Paris, it is the custom, since you are so hung up on the word. It is an engrained part of their culture.

There is world of difference between a "rule" and a "custom"! If that means I am "so hung up" on the word, so be it! Meanwhile, back to New York, how about a little about our customs and a lot less about the ersatz rules.

I think the answer to ..people who are in other countries behaving differently would be that wherever people go , they do the same thing.
So if a NYer knows how to walk down the street, I imagine he can do it in a different city without too much trouble.

We live in Buenos Aires.
People walk down the street like NYers... fast. They walk around people who are slow, they walk on your heels if they can't get around you and they will walk out in to the street to go around a couple holding hands or with a dog or baby .. they never ever say anything and they never give dirty looks...
I read these rules a long time ago, here on Fodors.. and I think that NY is no different than Paris or London or Italy... it is the people and how they handle themselves.

You can write all the rules you want, some of which are commonsense, some of which would be nice if they worked, and some of which are just grouchy.

But the people who break all your rules have but one rule themselves: "you aren't the boss of me."

For cryin out loud, Howard, this is not a six grade school yard deabte on is it a rule if your mommy doesn't use the word rule.

When someone is a ruler of a country do you disqualify him becasue he is more than 12 inches tall?

But the people who break all your rules have but one rule themselves: "you aren't the boss of me."

Yes and they are uusally the first to act indignant when you bump into them while they have their down changubg their tune.

Oooooooh, did I hit a nerve?

No one is saying not to say please or thank you. That's obvioiusly goo manners everywhere.

But in a Parisian shop - it's not please or thank you. When you enter you greet the staff - good morning whoever. Isn't it a lovely day? I would like to look at some whatevers (no just pawing through the merchandise to see what you want). It can't work the same in NYC because there is no staff to show you whatevers - unless you're in an extremely expensive boutique.

When store staff is limited and customers are many (as in standing in line to pay) chitchatting with the staff is rude - not polite - ad you are holding up several other people. I realize this may no seem right to people from a small town where everything moves more slowly - but if it were done any other way the city would come to a grinding halt (except for those very upscale places where you pay a lot extra for more service and time). (I'd love to see a customer in the Lord & Taylor shoe department - where 40 customers are fighting over 6 clerks - try to start up a conversation. there would be a riot.)

You've totally missed my point, which is, in plain terms: There are no rules to be broken in the context of this thread!
There are guidelines and suggestions and advice and, yes, customs.....but no rules.

I think some people are getting way hung up on words and need to have a little more levity and humor in their outlook on life. That's my RULE (with a capital "RULE").

Howard - the rule is - anyone can have their own definition of what a rule is.

Ah, YOUR own rules! And, on that note, I give up!

The important thing is that tourists and sidewalk blockers in any city (not just NY) think that there are rules that must be obeyed. I had to walk through Times Square at 5pm yesterday and was ready to start handing out citations to everyone (and there were many) who was breaking the rules.
Additonal new rules for New Yorkers: if you are over the age of 10, you are too old for a Dennis the Menace-style scooter. And all you Conde Nast fashionistas - carry the Manolos and put them on when you get to the office! You are holding up everyone trying to get up or down the subway stairs.

No self-respecting Conde Naster would be caught dead *carrying* their Manolos (or Louboutins).

I know, Michelle. But as long as I'm making up rules, I figured I might as well throw that one in there. Maybe I'll just require that they take the elevator at Times Square and stay away from the stairs.