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Factoid #3

by Scott Muoio

It is said that there are great differences between people from the east and west coasts. In eastern cities, the stereotype goes, you walk with your head down, keep your eyes to yourself, and never say more than is absolutely necessary. The lifestyle is efficient, straight forward, and keeps the crazies guessing on whom to mug next. On the west coast, things are noticeably different. Here, no one is particularly over-the-top friendly when passed on the street, riding public transportation, or standing on the same grocery store check out line, but unlike the east coast the potential is always there for an all-out blabfest at any moment.

Like those toys that sit silently on the shelf until their string is pulled, west coasters, and in particular, Seattleites seem to be dying for any and every opportunity to have their string pulled and their yapping begin. It is certainly not a bad thing; on the contrary, random conversations here and there can certainly bring sunshine to any day. However, it is the length and breadth of said conversations that make a man wary to push anyone’s buttons no matter the situation.

For instance, take a trip to the local supermarket during my first day in town. Merely searching for a map with which to plot my day’s meanderings, I spoke to no less than three workers all of whom were more than happy to shuffle me around the store in search of the laminated directions I sought. But the niceties didn’t stop there; rather than simply pointing me to a stand containing the maps and bidding me good day, in Seattle we must pour over the maps together, plot the day’s journey in tandem, and discuss all the great new things I am to discover in my new place of residence.

A situational anomaly or business as usual in The Emerald City? East coast compadres, Greg and Laura, who have lived in Seattle for five years, concur. “Just put my purchases in the bag and let me move along,” they reply when confronted with my inquiry regarding west coast protocol. “But that never happens!” Indeed. And again, while not a bad thing, it is a notable distinction that one must keep in mind while in Seattle: whether you like it or not, at all times you are 3 seconds away from a 15 minute conversation.

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Noted something strange or interesting in or about Seattle? Tell us about it. Email scottmuoio@undependentmedia.com

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