Having problems fitting in in Park Slope (New York, York: renting, coop)

[eight26]

Originally Posted by UrbanQuest

I suppose your kids look mixed, so the arguement about them thinking your a nanny is muted. I have seen your situation in some way shape or form in many circumstances. Remember, alot of the people in PS are well off, vaguely liberal, and may already have their one close "ethnic friend". Don't give up though, New York is way better than some other cities in this regard. You need to be a bit more outgoing to live in a hip urban family neighborhood as apposed to the suburbs. In other words, your going to have to "fit in".

Well in if that's the case, then I should find a neighborhood that's a better fit, because I left high school a long time ago. I don't need to have to do anything to "fit in" with people. and I have been outgoing. It's the people in this neighborhood that have blatantly ignored me when I'm trying to start a convo with them. Do I need to corner them in the park? lol

[Viralmd]

I have to say, if you're just approaching people and starting up a conversation, that usually doesn't work in NYC. It might be better after people see you come to a playground, for example for a few weeks running. But expecting to have a chat with someone you don't know in any other context in NYC, that's not something we do here. We're cautious, with good reason.

[eight26]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

I have to say, if you're just approaching people and starting up a conversation, that usually doesn't work in NYC. It might be better after people see you come to a playground, for example for a few weeks running. But expecting to have a chat with someone you don't know in any other context in NYC, that's not something we do here. We're cautious, with good reason.

that's fair enough. I guess I have to get used to people being so guarded here.

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by eight26

that's fair enough. I guess I have to get used to people being so guarded here.

Yeah that's definitely part of the equation here. But it could also very well be PS is not a good fit for you and that the people are snobby.

[DonnaReed]

Originally Posted by eight26

Well in if that's the case, then I should find a neighborhood that's a better fit, because I left high school a long time ago. I don't need to have to do anything to "fit in" with people. and I have been outgoing. It's the people in this neighborhood that have blatantly ignored me when I'm trying to start a convo with them. Do I need to corner them in the park? lol

The unfortunate thing is that it may very well be bit high schoolish. Sometimes it is like that - you have to make an impression on the "right" person or be accepted by the "leaders" to be accepted by others...*lol*

Instincts usually don't lie.
They probably ARE a bunch of dang snobs who ARE giving you the cold shoulder --race, age, whatever-- the main thing (likely) is that you're a newbie...because in time race, age those type barriers can be broken down with neighbors.

Eventually, you may be accepted,

but it'd likely require that in time

you become them!...*lol*

And in a couple of years, there you'll be, sitting with them...
snubbing your nose at the newcomer because she's from some foreign country or she's too fat or to thin, or maybe she's a young hottie and you're thinking your man might be checking her out.



I'm only teasing...but you know that's how women can be.

And sometimes, in time, that one that you couldn't stand ends up your BFF...*lol*

Often it does come down to "fitting in" and perhaps Park Slope is not the vibe and they're not the crew you're trying to fit into.

[clevedark]

Alot of Slopies moved to Maplewood NJ, where we lived for a few years and in general they tended to think they were smarter and better than those around them.

[ctrres]

Remember that Park Slope is the only neighborhood in New York City saddled with the sobriquet of "stroller moms." The location defines the word yuppie.

[bmwguydc]

Originally Posted by ctrres

Remember that Park Slope is the only neighborhood in New York City saddled with the sobriquet of "stroller moms." The location defines the word yuppie.

And woe to you if you're in the path of said stroller, since mama will roll junior over your foot and give you a dirty look for being in the way of her Italian-designed jogging stroller with special-order fabric selection.

[eight26]

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

And woe to you if you're in the path of said stroller, since mama will roll junior over your foot and give you a dirty look for being in the way of her Italian-designed jogging stroller with special-order fabric selection.

oh my you guys are cracking me up. Sadly, it seems this is true here. It stinks that we did not have any clue about Brooklyn/nyc neighborhoods before we moved here, except for what we could read about them. And Park Slope read a lot differently. I wish I had found this forum first!

[DonnaReed]

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

And woe to you if you're in the path of said stroller, since mama will roll junior over your foot and give you a dirty look for being in the way of her Italian-designed jogging stroller with special-order fabric selection.

*rofl*

good one

and what imagery...