10 Ways to Love Your Commute
The NYC subway commute, particularly when traveling alone, is usually a sullen, lonely time. Most people just zone out with music, movies, or reading. Here are some ideas for how to love your commute and brighten other peoples’ day.
1. If you have a newspaper, offer the section you’re not reading to a neighboring passenger.
2. Say Hi to at least three people when you enter the subway or sit. Yes, saying Hi to 1 or 2 people is definitely friendly, but 3 Hellos creates community and a warmer atmosphere.
3. Find any excuse to strike up conversation. What do you think of that book you’re reading? I love your shoes, where’d you get them? Oh, what iPhone game is that — any fun?
4. Help a tourist. Tourists are often looking at maps, talking in groups about where to go next, etc. Give them a hand; most of the time they’ll be appreciative.
5. Compliment performers you like. It’s not always necessary to give money — sometimes it’s nice just to give a compliment.
6. Smile! There doesn’t even have to be a reason. Just brighten the car.
7. Ask for a seat. People are sometimes kind enough to offer a seat to the elderly, but I worry that people don’t always ask for one when they need one. Pregnant, feeling sick, injured? Ask for some help.
8. Move around, stretch, wiggle your extremities. Why can’t this be a time to loosen up?
9. Read an amazing book and let everyone see the jacket cover. You never know who’ll check it out. And if someone is checking it out, ask them if they’ve read it.
10. Wear awesome pins, t-shirts, hats, any kind of art. Looking awesome on the subway makes a big difference. Every car is an art gallery, so make yours the most interesting.
10*. Share your ideas for how you’ve transformed your commute into one you love.
Joshua, I had to smile as I read this. My son gave my wife a very special present for her 50th birthday. Tickets, to watch the Red Sox beat the Yankees at the old Yankee Stadium. Both sons, both girl friends, my wife and myself headed for the subway downtown to head to the Bronx. On the way, Mark told me, “Dad, don’t talk to anybody on the subway. Don’t even make eye contact.” I was surprised, but he told me, “It’s just the way they do it. Nobody talks. Even if they know each other.” I didn’t want to embarass him, so I complied and was dumbfounded when everybody else on the train also complied. Not a word for over 100 blocks.
Change the world, Joshua. I’ll do my part.
Comment by Rick Roberge — February 14, 2010 @ 11:23 am
Thanks for this, Rick. No, I don’t love the Red Sox beating the Yankees part, but you’re sooo right. Amazing how easy it is not to say a word in a place that’s the perfect place to speak up. Thanks for the positive words and thinking. Love it!
Comment by Joshua Krafchin — February 15, 2010 @ 11:10 am
Excellent advice! I have spent my life exploring the power of a split second connection; how we can affect others lives in a passing moment. With each moment, we have the chance to make the world a better place. It all starts with one person, one action, one moment.
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