Dinner, personal space, and indifference in the NYC

Dinner at Max Brenners was a fun adventure!

 The interior is decorated a bit like a willy wonka chocolate factory. We sampled some unforgettable fudge covered caramelized pecans during our wait for a table, and I scored a shirt that says, "chocolate is good for you."

Everything on the menu sounded incredible, but we'd heard so many good reviews about the burrito with the chocolate mole sauce, we knew we'd have major regrets if we didn't try it. The burrito was excellent, but I discovered I'm just not a huge fan of mole. Luckily, I ordered it on the side, so dinner was still great! Dessert did NOT disappoint. We opted for the  banana split waffle. It was like bananas foster and a Belgian waffle got married and had an ice cream topped baby. Incredible. 

Fun experience! New York dining is nothing like in the movies, where couples enjoy a cozy corner to themselves. Our table had 3 inches of space on either side, and to be seated, the server would pull the whole table out into the aisle so you could squeeze in to sit, and then do the same for you when you're ready to leave. Other places we've eaten, we actually sat with 2 complete strangers at a 4 person table. It's like there's an invisible wall that people ust put up between themselves and others. I think it's just a necessary survival mechanism because they're forced to share personal space so often as they walk in crowds, take the subway (armpit in your face, anyone? At any given moment on the train today I was physically touching 3 people...and that's on a weekend non rush hour), and even while dining, that it's natural to pretend that there is more space or some kind of sound barrier between you and the other people around you. Otherwise, you'd just itch all day and be emotionally drained from nonstop social interaction.  NYC allows you to "opt out" of social interaction at any given time. All you have to do is throw your wall up and look another way. 

Even though I know this hardness is a necessary part of social behavior in the city, I feel like it also creates a free pass to ignore other problems. Who addresses and tends to all the homeless and mentally ill folks crying for attention on the streets and subways? No one, because it's easier to just pretend the people don't exist. 

I really don't like this about New York. There was one "crazy" on almost every train we took on our first day in the city. I did see some compassion expressed for these individuals, but it just isn't enough to really change anything. Crazies, pan handlers, addicts, and homeless are just accepted as part of life and culture here. For personal safety, I too avoided eye contact or talking to the ranting, tweaking scary people who approached me too. But I'm sad and bothered that it has to be that way. am I felt warmth and relief every single time I witnessed someone (always a male in his early 20's) approaching these people and offer help or kind words. Gives me hope that the future of humanity isn't completely doomed for a state of indifference to suffering.