Originally Posted by
gowest 
For me - It isn't where you are but where your head is at.
I think this is very wise.
I lived in NYC (with my verbally abusive, addicted ex husband) for 6+ years. Sometimes I loved it, sometimes I hated it. Just like anywhere else, there are some really good people and people who aren't good. I agree that the culture there is to not make eye contact and keep moving, but amidst that craziness you find some good people. And you can be a good person too. I worked in Times Square and I would often stop and ask tourists taking pictures if I could take a picture of them with the scenery behind them. I still do this wherever I go. : )
Improve your state of mind, and you'll see, it won't seem so bad.