Subway Etiquette

Down by the Station

The way one travels can affect their emotional balance. Regardless if you're traveling to work or home, moments of happiness can be lost. I endured countless mornings and afternoons traveling in my fast pace city, New York City. I love it, but traveling around the city that never sleeps can be a happiness kidnapper. I concluded that there should be a class given to all New Yorkers once they are given their state I.D.. Unfortunately I don't know how or have the means to create such a class. However, being a teacher I can provide people (both New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers) with a guideline of traveling, particularity on the train. Sound the bell, Mandy's subway etiquette class is now in session. Hope you have your MetroCard ready...Here are the Do's and Don't's of riding New York City's Iron Horses.

In the teaching professional we are always told to always begin with the positives. Therefore, I will begin with the things you should DO  while riding on a NYC train.

The Do's of riding a NYC's train:

1.    Do give your seat to someone in need ( elderly, pregnant etc.)

2.    Do hold your bag in front of you or tightly on your shoulder ( I have witness and endured numerous times the pain that is received from others' bags smacking you on the face)

3.    Do check if your music can be heard when not placed in your ears (others do not want to hear your playlist)

4.    Do have a good hold of your coffee while the train is in motion (The pain of your hot coffee or tea spilling on someone other than yourself can cost you a lot...like a lawsuit)

5.    Do speak to your friends in a indoor voice (no one wants to hear about your wild teenage life)

6.    Do try your best to sleep with your mouth closed

7.    Do save your American Idol audition practice session for your home

8.    Do pay attention to your surroundings

9.    Do cover your mouth (no one want your germs)

10.  Do control your children (the train is not a playground or yelling arena)

Now onto the negative components of riding the train. It is very important that you never, ever, ever, do the following below. These things kidnap happiness while commuting on the train.

The Don't's of riding a NYC's train:

1.    Don't stand in the doorway when people are trying to enter the train (there's always room in the middle of the train)

2.    Don't stop in the middle of the stairway of the train station

3.    Don't hang on the poles (you are not a monkey!)

4.    Don't stare (it's just weird)

5.    Don't eat smelly foods (for example, fish)

6.    Don't search for gold (the miners in California didn't find gold in that great state back in the day so please do everyone a favor and save your search for the privacy of your home or better yet use a tissue!)

7.    Don't use your hands for sneezing or coughing and then touch the pole (no one wants your germs)

8.    Don't get on an empty cart during rush hour (it's empty for a reason...you're better off not finding out why)

9.    Don't read a large newspaper while on the train...they take up too much space

10. Don't squeeze yourself into a seat in which you mentally measured would not fit your behind (its makes you and those around you comfortable and unhappy)

Please follow my guideline for riding the subway and most importantly "stand clear of the closing doors."