An observation of Northern New Englanders: they are, how do I say this, really, really, REALLY nice. Like beyond nice. As in, this Jersey girl doesn't get it. (and yes people, I know I've lived in RI for 13 years...) You mean to tell me that the citizens of Maine genuinely smile at strangers? Let cars go at a stop sign? Wait wait - forget the cars - let PEOPLE walk across the street and actually pay attention to those pesky pedestrian crossings?!? For the love of everything rational, this nice-ness is out of control.
Ok, I kid, it's actually quite refreshing. I'm so used to that fast-paced lifestyle where everything is so rush-rush. You don't look people in the eye let alone say hello to those you don't know. And driving? Well everyone knows that's a free for all. Don't get in my way. (Hey, you can take the girl outta Jersey, but you certainly can't take the Jersey outta the girl.) But here in Maine, it's just the opposite. I've had full out conversations with the kid at the Burger King drive-thru window. I've gotten unsolicited advice from other moms about great places to take the kids around here - and it wasn't all bossy-like, they were GOOD suggestions! Strangers make my kids giggle in the farmer's market and it's not weird or uncomfortable. What's up Maine? Why are you all so nice here?
I'm hoping and praying that it's not because you all only have a few short months of non-hibernation once the cold sets in and we start getting 2 feet of snow a week so that you are just craving human interaction.
Maybe I can get used to this nice thing and slow down a little. Maybe. After all, I don't want to ruin my rep. ;)
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