Sweet Tea in the Big Cit-Tea

I sat down at the Florida Ave Grill this morning with a friend. I'd never been before but according to him, they had one of best breakfasts in the city. The place was narrow and loud, even a little smokey from the open grill that was clearly visible and not far out of the reach of customers. Outside, people were waiting to be seated. The place was obviously popular, and there seemed to be a constant crowd of regulars shouting the names of their serves, some of whom had been working at the Grill for many, many years. We'd come to see one of these workers in particular. We bypassed the line outside, my friend called her name, and when a few seats opened up at the bar we sat. No one thought to stop us, we were here for Miss Caroline and as such we had preference. We sat down, and the ever popular Miss Caroline brought us both glass of sweet-tea (with crushed ice!!!) and I was in heaven.

People say that in big cities, there's the potential to feel alone, get lost. They aren't lying, especially if you have no family or friends to speak of when you first get here. If you fall on the side walk, the code of urban living dictates that people will likely not stop to help you up, they will continue walking. In the metaphorical sense, in the big city if you fall, people may even step on you to get where they're going. What makes a big city worth it is everything big cities have to offer, but if you don't have the money to pay for it you can't enjoy it. That makes the big city a conundrum from people like me: the young, immigrant, black, non-profit worker; the inexperienced, family-less, black, broke resident. There's a lesson of survival, though, to be learned from my friend, Miss Caroline, and her sweet-tea.

Though we feel encouraged to be cold, unfeeling, and a little bourgeoisie in the big city to get by, I'm learning that it takes the exact opposite to get what I want. With a smile, a few nice words, the initiative to introduce himself, and a few extra dollars for the tip, my friend got preferential treatment from Miss Caroline despite the long line in front of us. I can't tell you how many times, basic manners my parents taught me, a few jokes and giving a little extra while I had it has made the difference for me here. Whether it's a discount at my favorite sneaker store when I need new kicks, never having to pay for drinks at my favorite bars or with my favorite bartenders, and even eating free at my favorite restaurants, giving that little extra has been paramount to surviving and living well in a city I'd otherwise be hard-pressed to afford to live in. "Thank you," "have a good night," and "this is amazing" goes a long way in cities where they aren't often heard. They're the first steps to creating beneficial relationships and befriending people who can come through for you in a pinch.

In fact, when you really think about it, big cities are like Miss Caroline's sweet-tea. Before the sugar, that tea is a really cold and little bitter. With a little genuineness, manners and an appreciation for what people do, you can sweeten the pot for them and yourself. You don't have to add the sugar, but just think about how much better life will taste if you do.
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Song du Jour: "Cruisin'"- Tweet