Please, thank you, and hold the door

This is a city with approximately 8.4 million (BUSY!) people. Deadlines are short, pressure is high, but that is no excuse to throw all kindergarten lessons out of the window. Where have the manners gone? I recently had a conversation with a friend regarding subway etiquette. There is nothing more frustrating than someone standing in the door during rush hour. Though frustrating, this doesn't give you the right to push. First kindergarten rule, no pushing!

I am always the first person to give my seat to an elderly lady or gentleman. I know you plug away at your iphone or other gadget pretending not to see the frail soul gripping the pole in an effort not to fall but seriously, STAND UP AND GIVE HIM OR HER YOUR SEAT. It's so rude and how would you feel standing in a crowded subway car with a broken leg?  If you see anyone (1) significantly older than you (2) pregnant (3) carrying a baby (4) carrying bags of groceries or (5) injured, simply stand up. Kindergarten rule number two-sharing! It's not difficult and it could really brighten someone else day. Plus, you will burn a few extra calories standing up. What are your thoughts on subway/street/public transportation/taxi etiquette? It takes all of my willpower not to snach a PDA from a fellow sidewalk user's hand in an effort to have them look up and pay attention to the surroundings. I know, I know, that would be very frowned upon in Kindergarten. I haven't done this yet! If the e-mail or text is so important that it can't wait for a quiet place, at least you fellow walker could stop a moment to send the message rather than running right into people. Kindergarten rule number three-pay attention.  When did we get so busy? Am I naive not to steal a seat or cab right from under somone who has obviously been waiting longer than I have? Would love to hear your thoughts on this and tricks on the best places to catch a cab. In this article Time Out New York sheds a little light on cab catching problem spots and drivers' best advice.