No Smoking Area

A New York no smoking area, complete with New Yorkers doing what they want anyway despite what a sign says.

You learn a lot about personal boundaries in New York City. You learn that you don't have to hang out with people just because they want to hang out with you, you learn that you don't have to stick with an activity just because you're good at it or your friends want you to, and you learn to ask yourself the question "What are the consequences?". There are just too many friends, too many activities, and too little time to settle for anything less than doing what's best for you.

Like the famous quote says, "Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft." A little toughness never hurts.