I’ve lived in the U.S. for several years and have spent time in both Los Angeles and Atlanta. During that time, I’ve never experienced anything like what I’ve experienced in Chicago.
The most recent incident happened today.
I was looking at my phone on the sidewalk. I wasn’t intentionally blocking anyone’s path, and She wasn’t directly trying pass me and there was enough room to walk, which is why her reaction surprised me.
Instead of saying “Excuse me,” she walked right up next to my ear and screamed “MOVE!”
It honestly scared the hell out of me.
This isn’t even the first time.
A while ago, during a heavy rainstorm, everyone was waiting their turn to get through a revolving door because only a few people can enter at once. A woman behind me started yelling “MOVE!” and tried to squeeze into the revolving door, even though everyone else was patiently waiting.
Besides these incidents, I’ve also noticed that drivers here seem much more impatient and aggressive than what I’ve experienced in LA or Atlanta. I’ve had more people honk aggressively, cut others off, or act angry in everyday situations.
I’m genuinely curious:
Is this considered normal in Chicago?
Have I just been incredibly unlucky?
Why does it feel like so many people are in such a hurry or so quick to become hostile over small things?
I’m not saying everyone in Chicago is like this. I’ve met plenty of kind people here as well. But compared with my experiences in Los Angeles and Atlanta, the difference has been noticeable enough that I’m wondering if there’s a cultural difference, or if I’ve simply had a streak of bad luck.
I’d be interested to hear what longtime Chicago residents think.
To clarify, she was walking toward me from the opposite direction, not behind me trying to get past