New Yorkers are some of the most competitive people on the planet, even if we don’t always admit it. Every day you’re having routine competitions with friends, co-workers or even strangers. Here are seven that are pretty standard:
1. Who can walk faster
This competitive instinct kicks into high gear when you’re walking around a bunch of slow-moving tourists, or you come upon a construction site and the sidewalk is about to get so narrow that you won’t be able to pass anyone. Better get through first.
2. Who can get the better grip on the subway pole
3. Who can stay at the office the latest
Only applicable in certain professions, such as investment banking, start-ups, and journalism. Don’t believe the smiles on everyone else’s faces. They’re still here because they’re trying to edge you out for the next promotion, and they’ll be damned if they leave the office before you.
4. Who can stay out later
Even if you win this competition, you still lose. You’re out at 5am in a bar that isn’t even that fun, you get home just as the sun is rising, you sleep until 6pm when it’s dark, and when you wake up you have the worst hangover. But hey, you won!
5. Who can be the most hungover and still work
6. Who can know the most people at the party (and in general)
7. Who can be the most unconventional