It’s funny, my strongest memories after living in lower Manhattan for 10 years are of kind, helpful people. Contrary to stereotype, my New York City was a city of small neighborhoods packed densely together, where people knew one another and ran into one another constantly on the street or in local shops and restaurants.

I often walked down 8th avenue from 23rd Street to 13th Street, and I could practically never do it without saying hello to several people I knew.

I gave directions sometimes to people who look lost or confused, and I witnessed my neighbors doing the same.

By the way, that photo you chose for your story is of “my” subway station. Almost enough to make me nostalgic!