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You're saying you expect them to stop backing out? Or, you feel you need to continue letting them back out?
According to Google: "A driver backs out of a space, into an oncoming car – Because both vehicles are moving, each driver may hold some responsibility. But, the driver in the traffic lane has the right of way. The driver who is backing out is responsible for waiting until it is safe to back out."
(That's the way I always have viewed the rule. And, I grew up around that mindset. But, I've been other places where it seems people think differently.)
Anyways, continuing on with the subject of potential rudeness in Rhode Island....
Like I said, I defer to the driver leaving a parking spot. Let them leave the parking space.
I moved to Rhode Island in 1978, when there were few road signs and everyone would start directions with "You know where the old Mobil station used to be?" But this is also THE ONLY PLACE where, time after time, the person I asked would end up saying, Follow me, you'll never find it. I would protest, I don't want to take you out of your way! They would just shrug and drive ahead. Amazing. I have lived in Washington state, Iowa, Chicago, Kentucky, North Carolina, upstate New York, New Mexico, and New York City; but Rhode Islanders are the best people I have found ANYWHERE. They are also forthright: I understand now the significance of Independent Man on the top of our State House, because Rhode Islanders will tell you what they think, no matter what anyone thinks about it. That's a great relief to me after the Midwest (where I found people suspicious and likely to stab you in the back), the South (where people seemed super-cordial but not sincere), the West (where people would talk your arm off but you couldn't count on them in a crisis), and Manhattan (where I found people true-hearted but out of time!). I love this place. And I don't think any other state in New England is like it.
I moved to Rhode Island in 1978, when there were few road signs and everyone would start directions with "You know where the old Mobil station used to be?" But this is also THE ONLY PLACE where, time after time, the person I asked would end up saying, Follow me, you'll never find it. I would protest, I don't want to take you out of your way! They would just shrug and drive ahead. Amazing. I have lived in Washington state, Iowa, Chicago, Kentucky, North Carolina, upstate New York, New Mexico, and New York City; but Rhode Islanders are the best people I have found ANYWHERE. They are also forthright: I understand now the significance of Independent Man on the top of our State House, because Rhode Islanders will tell you what they think, no matter what anyone thinks about it. That's a great relief to me after the Midwest (where I found people suspicious and likely to stab you in the back), the South (where people seemed super-cordial but not sincere), the West (where people would talk your arm off but you couldn't count on them in a crisis), and Manhattan (where I found people true-hearted but out of time!). I love this place. And I don't think any other state in New England is like it.
Thanks! This non-native outsider - who has also lived in many other places - agrees with you 100%
The short answer is yes, absolutely. Everyone tends to have a gruff or bitchy facade, and people here are also very tribal and judgmental. If you didn't grow up here and form your clique early it'll be tough making friends and connections unless you are part of the FOB immigrant or transplant hipster social scene. Things are slightly better when you get outside the central part of RI (Providence, Warwick, Johnston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, West Warwick, etc.), but there's a strange aura of suspicion that permeates most interactions with strangers in RI. Overall, people interact with each in person the same way they interact with each other on the road... that should say enough.
I just realized that I used it ALL THE TIME as a child. AAAAAAAHHHH!!!! Senior moment! It was, apparently, so deeply ingrained in my psyche that I never even thought about it. I never use it now, and it never occurred to me that it was even a "thing." So, a thousand apologies to Bert, but not to the DB from Pawtucket.
I grew up in Milford MA and we always said "Down Sullah"! I miss some of the regional sayings and accents.
From what I've seen on Live PD & Caught in Providence - yes, they are. The entire Northeast is full of rude people.
So you’re basing your assessment of an entire state on toothless trash who live the desperate lifestyle? Hmmm ... can’t wait for the North Carolina series!
So you’re basing your assessment of an entire state on toothless trash who live the desperate lifestyle? Hmmm ... can’t wait for the North Carolina series!
You're right. If we make a cultural assessment from "Caught in Providence" or any reality court tv show, it would be depressing indeed. The baseline could only be lower if it were filmed from prison where, I'm sure, local accents would pop.
I moved to Rhode Island in 1978, when there were few road signs and everyone would start directions with "You know where the old Mobil station used to be?" But this is also THE ONLY PLACE where, time after time, the person I asked would end up saying, Follow me, you'll never find it. I would protest, I don't want to take you out of your way! They would just shrug and drive ahead. Amazing. I have lived in Washington state, Iowa, Chicago, Kentucky, North Carolina, upstate New York, New Mexico, and New York City; but Rhode Islanders are the best people I have found ANYWHERE. They are also forthright: I understand now the significance of Independent Man on the top of our State House, because Rhode Islanders will tell you what they think, no matter what anyone thinks about it. That's a great relief to me after the Midwest (where I found people suspicious and likely to stab you in the back), the South (where people seemed super-cordial but not sincere), the West (where people would talk your arm off but you couldn't count on them in a crisis), and Manhattan (where I found people true-hearted but out of time!). I love this place. And I don't think any other state in New England is like it.
That is a very interesting summary or characterization of different experiences you had.
That is a very interesting summary or characterization of different experiences you had.
Pordinka's well articulated experience is a common one, for those of us who have lived many other places before coming to Rhode Island. Take it to heart.
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Give me Rhode Islanders every time
