By: Gabriela Yareliz
People say that if you want a read on someone’s character (to date or work with, for example), go to a restaurant with them. See how they treat the waiter, they say.
Please— anyone can pretend through a meal. I have seen enough fake people to last me a lifetime, especially in the work sphere. Faking niceness isn’t hard. These interactions require a keen observer and someone who knows body language and mask slips well.
I got a better one for you. If you want to see a person’s character, ride the train with them when you need to get somewhere on time. (There has to be a time frame limit. This is key. No tourist joy rides work for this).
How do they handle delays? The homeless person who head butts them? Do they cough without covering their mouth? Do they surf between cars and invite you to follow (Aladdin vibes are not welcome)?
Do they push their way into the car without letting people off? Do they memorize the route, or are they industrious enough to be able to take a detour when needed? Can they keep you safe from the NYC perils (the naked man on the D train, for example)? When a seat opens up, do they let you sit first? Do they give up their seat for the elderly and pregnant? Do they slap people in the face with backpacks and umbrellas (self-awareness)?
You can tell a lot about a person, I am telling you. I was once asked out on a train. There was a guy who started asking me what I was reading. Turns out we were both Tim Grover fans. That was clearly not my vibe, and he was way younger than me (not sure how old he thought I was). But he read the train car. Smart kid. I am sure he will make it far in life. My point is, you can tell a lot about someone based on how they ride the train when on a mission. It’s a fool proof test.
And if you are really lucky, like me, you’ll meet someone who hates the train more than you do, because hello, naked man on the D train.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 