From the Big Apple Back to the Minne-Apple

Lifestyle

From the Big Apple Back to the Minne-Apple – Wit & Delight

I’ll admit that it seems like a strange place to accidentally end up, but I never really intended to live in New York City. I know other people—lots of people, in fact—need to live there. To check it off a bucket list. To see if they can make it. To really earn their status as starving artists by emulating the beatniks of bygone generations. But I was just floating along, content to be wherever things worked out—when, a few years ago, the crowded sidewalks and exorbitant rent of New York City suddenly summoned. What a calling.

This fall my husband and I moved back to Minneapolis; from the Big Apple back to the Minne-Apple, if you will. Despite growing up here, I’ve found that the transition from Manhattan to Minnesota has been marked by something of a re-culture shock.

Let me explain.

From the Big Apple Back to the Minne-Apple – Wit & Delight

Minnesota Nice & New York Mean

Minnesotans are intent on niceness—which comes in the form of eye contact with passersby, chit-chat in line at the grocery store, asking the same question several times before believing the original answer (are you sure you don’t need a ride??), and infinitely cutting the last piece of any break-room dessert to avoid taking the last bite.

New Yorkers, on the other hand, have a reputation for harsh interactions, and when I first arrived, I was shocked by the cruelty of the apparent social pact to totally ignore each other. So, during my first week of work in NYC (as an homage to my heritage) I made a plan to greet and acknowledge every single person I passed.

It was totally exhausting. Turns out, spending the kind of emotional and social energy that Minnesotans spend on strangers leaves you drained by 9:00 AM in New York. Adopting this “cold” interpersonal dynamic is really the only way to survive such a densely populated city. But it’s not only a mode of self-preservation; it can be a service to others. That’s right, friends. I think New-York-mean can be more considerate than Minnesota-nice. Sometimes it’s wonnnderful to feel uninterruptedly anonymous in a crowd; to be asked a question once and be believed; to bask in silence while making a mental to-do list in line at Target; or to snag the last bite without feeling self-conscious.

Slow Walkers & Fast Talkers

New Yorkers wear stress like a badge of honor. To be fair, it’s a badge they’ve earned: cramming like sardines into increasingly inconsistent public transportation, only to be “held by the train’s dispatcher” for reasons and lengths of time unknown. But because New York is filled with the kind of crazy people who need to live there for the sake of their ambition or sense of adventure, I wouldn’t be surprised if the population skews toward Type-A’s. It seems like everyone’s got a hustle. Instead of the weather, folks fill their small talk with topics of stress and striving.

In Minnesota, self-imposed anxiety isn’t rewarded, and people just aren’t that impressed with how little sleep you got. It’s not that folks don’t work hard: it’s that Midwesterners don’t seem intent on overwhelming themselves on purpose. This cultural difference first struck me in the form of skepticism: I was actually relaxing in the evenings after work. Was I doing something wrong? Did I forget a major project with a looming deadline? Had I stood up a friend for a date? I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I were relaxed, I must be behind. But nope, nope, nope: there’s just a different (ahem, healthy) pace to life in Minnesota.

Except when it comes to walking in crowds and taking right-hand turns in your vehicles. On these matters, I’m sticking with New Yorkers: you’ve gotta pick up the pace, Minnesota.

From the Big Apple Back to the Minne-Apple – Wit & Delight

Foreign & Familiar

When I moved to New York, everything was new. A new (teeny, overpriced) apartment, a new (scary, underground) form of transportation, a new (intimidating editorial) job—even a new vocabulary (i.e. what is a bodega cat and how do I get on its good side?). The opposite can be said about my move back to Minnesota. I already know what goulash is, and I know how to get to 694 when 35 is closed. But to my delight, the Minnesota I moved to is subtly but significantly different than the Minnesota I was expecting. A lot has happened in the years I’ve been gone—new restaurants, neighborhoods, laws, and leaders—that I didn’t manage to keep up on during short visits for the holidays. So instead of settling into old routines and relying on what’s familiar in my home state, I’ve been trying to adopt the mentality I had when I arrived out east: the contagious up-for-anything-ness that seems to pervade life in the Big Apple.

In fact, there are a lot of ways I plan to try to bring some of the hallmarks of east coast living to bear on my new (old) Midwest life. I’ll smile at strangers, but otherwise, leave them alone (and cross my fingers for the same consideration once in a while). When asked for my opinion, I’ll give it straightforwardly, but with sensitivity about my tone. I’ll bask in the healthy pace of the Midwest life, but plan to slowly and mindfully introduce habits and hobbies that fill me up, rather than drain me. I might even honk in traffic.

Photos by Ellen Koneck


SaveSave

SaveSave

BY Ellen Koneck - December 23, 2017

23 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Thank you for sharing your story! Never been to either places so it was interesting to read 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

December 23, 2017 1:37 pm

It always looks so dreamy to live there!

http://www.petiteelliee.com

Ellie xx

December 23, 2017 7:19 pm

When I went back to visit my mother in my home state of Missouri after several years in the New York area, I barely recognized the place. The highway running through St. Louis looked vacant to me even though it was mid-morning, and it only got worse as I headed north to the rural county where I was raised. Even being prepared for it this year when I visited again it was surprising to me. The place and culture have not changed, but I have, and nothing looks or seems the same there any more.

December 24, 2017 8:25 am

We visit NYC several times a year, and I always brace myself for the impending harshness of the city and its residents. Each time we visit, though, we are always met by kindly people and a general warmth throughout the city. Perhaps the mindset is changing (a little)?

December 26, 2017 8:53 am

When I went back to visit my mother in my home state of Missouri after several years in the New York area, I barely recognized the place. The highway running through St. Louis looked vacant to me even though it was mid-morning, and it only got worse as I headed north to the rural county where I was raised. Even being prepared for it this year when I visited again it was surprising to me. The place and culture have not changed, but I have, and nothing looks or seems the same there any more.

M
December 26, 2017 6:37 pm

I just moved from NYC to Rochester, MN. This article was timely and almost like a mini support group!

Sara
December 27, 2017 8:03 am

I never expected to stay in New York as long as I have, but in my years there I’ve found New Yorkers to be kind in an efficient manner. If you really need something (directions, help up stairs, they will oblige. But like you said, communal transportation requires some semblance of “privacy” by way of “ignoring” each other. I always remind first-timers that New Yorkers don’t have cars, we have feet. So be considerate of the sidewalk “system” (walk on the right) and keep pace or step aside. And likewise when I visit the suburbs, I’m struck by the inefficiency… Read more »

December 27, 2017 11:06 pm

I love this so much! I haven’t lived in New York (yet?), but have always wanted to, and everything you describe is exactly what I would expect (and enjoy). I completely agree about the straightforwardness and uninterrupted anonymity being considerate (and far less exhausting). Also lol on the last piece of break-room dessert. Hahaha. Totally an issue here. Welcome back to MN, enjoy all that’s good and new, and thanks for sharing your story. Made my day.

[…] Ellen Koneck nailed that whole Minnesota Nice thing in this refreshing piece. If you haven’t enjoyed her delightful take on it, I highly […]

[…] Ellen Koneck nailed that whole Minnesota Nice thing in this refreshing piece. If you haven’t enjoyed her delightful take on it, I highly […]

Eric Henderson
July 8, 2018 4:30 pm

When i read your article. I couldnt help but see the theological implications of Nice vs Kind. I’m reminded of the text about being drawn by loving kindness. I will definitely explore more and this may show up as a lesson of sorts on the importance of kindness.

August 20, 2018 2:31 pm

I gott this websiute from my pal who sshared with me concerning this web site and
now this timee I am visiting this web site and reading very informative articles at this time.

August 21, 2018 9:11 am

Helmet Heroes http://helmetheroes.games is a a greatly multiplayer duty having fun video game where you can coordinate with your on the internet friends and also discover areas as well as battle against opponents. It showcases virtually 40 adversaries, thousands of various weapons, safety helmets, shield, and also accessories. You can select in between being a warrior, archer, wizard, or cowboy. Or if you would certainly such as, you can combine classes as well as develop you have mix. You could also double possess weapons and make use of shields. There are a lot of unique abilities to pick from along… Read more »

DannyLup
September 13, 2018 8:36 pm

Tank Trouble 1 Unblocked Secret Tricks And Tips In The Computer Game Experts

tank trouble beta

October 27, 2018 2:15 am

This is what we have been needing.

September 20, 2019 1:51 pm

Superfighters https://superfighters.uk/ video game is a fighting video game in which you play as a male. All you need to do in the video game is to battle against your enemies. The job of the whole parts of the video game is, naturally, to beat your adversaries by shooting, stabbing, mashing, smashing, burning as well as blowing other mini characters. Being a combating game, you have to fight over and also over throughout the video game. When one team is defeated, another team will certainly look promptly to combat against you. The game continues this way. It seemingly has no… Read more »

October 2, 2019 2:42 am

Truthfully, these video games https://frivunblocked.games/ are so outstanding that you can spend a substantial quantity of time without obtaining bored even for as soon as. Besides, nowadays these gaming websites likewise give an opportunity to socialize with different people.

Most-read posts:

Did you know W&D now has a resource library of  Printable Art, Templates, Freebies, and more?

take me there 

Arrow Alone

Get Our Best W&D Resources

for designing a life well-lived

MORE STORIES

Arrow Alone

the latest

Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.

Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.

follow  @WITANDDELIGHT

ELSEWHERE

PINTEREST

FACEBOOK

332k

2.9m

16k

INSTAGRAM

CREATE

A LIFE THAT

follow us on instagram @witanddelight_

DELIGHTS