With unruly drivers, persistent traffic, and people rushing here and there, it’s not always easy to maintain patience and grace in our daily interactions.  Yet, in a city where we occupy such close quarters, small gestures of kindness go a long way!  Below are some quick and easy tips to help facilitate gracious living in NYC:

• Always wait for others to exit a bus/train before you enter
• Try not to take calls while on public transport, unless absolutely necessary
• Offer assistance to someone who has their hands full (ex: carrying multiple bags or pushing a stroller) by opening a door for them or helping to carry a stroller up a flight of stairs (if you are able to)
• Hold the door for the person behind you
• If you are texting or checking something on your phone while on the sidewalk, move to the side so people can pass you
• Aim to be patient and understanding when a service is taking longer than expected
• Bumping into someone on the street or a crowded train is inevitable, just acknowledge it with a quick apology and a smile