Snobbiness?? (Boston, Andover, Westford: landscaping, neighborhood, college)

[charolastra00]

Like someone else said, we're not snobby, we're just more reserved. Growing up in Georgia, it was normal for a clerk to discuss the contents of your grocery cart or comment on your style in a department store. I relish my blissfully quiet checkouts now. People have always been exceptionally friendly to me but they're just not wearing it on their sleeve.

[Baton Rouge]

Um, you want rude? Come to Louisiana where cashiers will practically throw your change at you or talk to the other cashiers about how much they hate their jobs, leaving you waiting. Or, people in cars who will stop in the middle of the street to let someone out (after a long parting conversation). Turn signals? Those are for other people. Watch yourself in parking lots - the rules of the road apparently don't apply and pedestrians do not have the right of way, and don't expect anyone to let you back out of a parking spot. They'll blow their horn at you to stop to let them go past. The myth of southern hospitality is just that, a myth. If you walk with a map in your hand in Boston, someone will invariably ask if they can be helpful. Here, you will be viewed with suspicion because if you have a map you're not from here and therefore don't belong here. Not too happy about "outsiders". If you didn't go to someone's high school (private, due to the sorry state of the public schools - the southern answer to de-segregation was to segregate themselves into private schools) or to their church (better be Catholic in southern Louisiana and Protestant in the north), they have no use for you at all. In fact, they won't even want to know anything about you. When you say, politely, "How are you?", you get a one word answer but never a return question. Snobbishness in Massachusetts? No. The Yankee (not the bad NY kind) reticence to engage - keeping to one's self, should be seen as not wanting to be intrusive rather than snobbishness. When you walk by people in Massachusetts they too will acknowledge you, I've found. I'll take Massachusetts and the people there any day. Heck, I've had nothing but good experiences in Manhattan - just be prepared for the speed of "The City" and don't expect it to be Hooterville.

[Pearltea]

I've lived in Massachusetts most of my life. I'd describe Bostonians as moody (not snobby). It's stress and bad weather!

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by Pearltea

I've lived in Massachusetts most of my life. I'd describe Bostonians as moody (not snobby). It's stress and bad weather!

I SOOO agree. I am definitely becoming more moody as the weather gets colder.

[crazyworld]

Originally Posted by Debi1957

My husband and I are planning a move to MA from FLA and the last word on the planet I would use to describe anyone, anywhere up there is snobby!!! you guys are the BEST!!!!

Thanks Debi1957 for that!!!!!!!! So nice to hear nice things about us.

I think there is attitude everywhere but you get what you give. If you are nicer to someone, they will reciprocate.
I live in MA......personally I think we are really nice people and the weather doesn't bother me at all. I Love the cold!!!

[puffle]

Nicest people I have ever met on a whole. There are mean and nasty people everywhere. They are not confined to one particular state or bred to be that way. There are different forms of friendliness in the South, West, North, and East. Some morer genuine than others without labeling people.

[bingo08]

It could be that everyone is in a hurry and when you acknowledge a cashier by looking at them directly and extend the conversation beyond just thanks, it works. It is human nature to just plug along at a boring job, until someone perks you up. It works, I get a kick out of getting these teenage cashiers to talk and smile back. I have kids and they tell me how rude and nasty the customers are to them. As for adults, I do the same with them also. Just reach out and you would be surprised at how friendly we all are. If the 1st one does not smile back, the next one will. I do it all the time, spread a lil respect and warmth, it always works.

[Northcide]

Well I know that I'm snobby....hahaha! Here in Socal, it's to easy. They just can not compare to the Northeast. We have history and tradition, plus we are loyal to family and of course our sports teams. People out here think that the world revolves around S.D......it does not. The weather is great, but you have to lock your windows!!!...Alarm your car and children!!...lol. Ya I'm stuck up...hey I was born in the best state and proud of it....Now I just need to get my family back home....LOL.

[Newbigtech]

The East coast people do act snobby, compared to West Coast and Mid America.
Look at Hillary and Dodd. They seem snobby compared to Obama or even Edwards.
My opinion.

[skytrekker]

Hilary is from the Chicago area-not the east coast. Chris Dodd a snob? Please- a wee stuffy, but as earthy and as caring a person you could meet.