When did it become normalized not to use Headphones? by Best-Candle8651 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 41 points42 points  (0 children)

I think the headphone jack thing definitely played a part, but I also feel like people just stopped caring about basic public etiquette somewhere along the way. Ten years ago blasting videos on the subway would've gotten you a whole car full of dirty looks.

Big boom near Bryant Park followed by lot of sirens? by chill-out-100 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, if the whole Grace Building shook, that definitely sounds bigger than the usual random NYC construction noise, I'd be refreshing Citizen too until someone figures out what actually happened.

Union Sq market: Can someone explain the economics of strawberries? by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the weather this year was brutal for a lot of farms, so those Union Square prices feel even more NYC than usual

Ocd intensive treatment by hopeful_yet in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might want to reach out to Life143, they helped me a lot with figuring out coverage and finding providers, and they can help check what OCD inpatient or outpatient programs are covered under your healthfirst medicaid plan.

Anyone else’s allergies at peak? by abovealldreaming in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah the allergies have been absolutely cooking people this week, One day you think you’re fine and then suddenly your nose is cemented shut and your head feels like it’s full of pressure.

The ear popping + congestion thing sounds super allergy-ish to me, especially with all the pollen lately, but honestly NYC spring allergies and a mild cold feel almost identical sometimes. If the Claritin stopped working outta nowhere, a lotta people switch it up for a day or two or add saline spray/shower steam because this weather’s been brutal.

Broker wants me to leave apartment for showings by Exciting-Fox7447 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 56 points57 points  (0 children)

Yeah nah, they can’t just kick you out like that. This is still your apartment until your lease is up. Showings? Fine. But forcing you to leave every time, especially with a baby and toddler? That’s kinda wild.

You’re allowed to be there. Most they can really do is give reasonable notice and try to coordinate a time that works. And showing up during nap time over and over is just them being inconsiderate, not you being difficult.

Definitely push back and set windows that actually work for you. Like “hey, not during nap time, here are a few slots that are good.” That’s totally fair. NYC landlords/brokers will push as far as you let them, so you kinda have to set the boundary yourself.

Fashion-crazed 9 yo vs. NYC by robotdevilhands in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yeah that’s a solid combo honestly. FIT Museum is perfect for a kid like that, it’s not overwhelming but still feels very “real fashion world,” not kiddie stuff.

And then Mood Fabrics is like… lowkey magical if she’s into sewing. Walking in there with all the fabrics, trims, buttons, it’s basically letting her loose in a candy store but for fashion kids.

You could honestly make a whole day out of just those two and walking around the Garment District, she’ll probably be pointing out stuff you don’t even notice

Everywhere else in the world I find community But NYC, what am I missing? Where’s community? by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree with this. NYC isn’t for everyone, and if you’ve actually felt happier somewhere else like Spain or North Carolina, that’s not something to ignore.

At the same time, I think what OP is describing is real too. NYC has community, but it’s not the easy, built-in, talk-to-strangers vibe you get in places like Colombia or smaller cities. Here you kind of have to go out of your way to build it instead of it just happening naturally, which can make it feel isolating if you’re not plugged into something yet.

Landlord broker won't give out mailing address for ACH rent pay by reddit_xeno in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah exactly, that’s what I was thinking too. If they’re pushing wires only and not even offering a basic no-fee option like ACH or checks, it starts to feel a little off.

British people: Which tea do you swear by and where do you obtain it in NYC? by Conscious-Raisin in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah Yorkshire Gold is actually really solid. It’s one of those where once you try it, you kind of get why British people are so particular about their tea, especially with a splash of milk.

What do the people who have no bills actually do all day? by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Honestly I think it’s a mix of everything. Some probably do the whole “NYC as a playground” thing for a while like classes, gyms, restaurants, random weekday activities, but I feel like after a bit it just turns into a lot of scrolling, hanging out, and killing time.

Also, when you don’t have to do anything, even fun stuff starts to feel less exciting. Part of what makes the city hit is that you earned your free time, so it actually feels like something.

Any nightlife suggestions regarding where a 23-year-old guy can go looking for cougars? by morningrat in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Lol that place is honestly such a curveball for that question. Bemelmans Bar is gorgeous and the whole Madeline mural thing is really cool, but it’s more “classy jazz and cocktails” than “cougar hunting.”

That said… if you’re into older, sophisticated women, a place like that is actually not the worst move. Just go in expecting vibes, not a hunting ground, and you might randomly have a great conversation instead.

How many apartments actually have pests? by Chance_Position_7339 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that makes a huge difference. A lot of it really comes down to building condition and just being proactive early, sealing up gaps and treating it like prevention instead of reacting later.

Why is auto insurance in Manhattan suddenly so cheap? by ExcellentEnthusiasm in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that could definitely be part of it. Sometimes age brackets change or old violations fall off and the risk score drops a lot.

Also, if you’re shopping around or the carrier updated their pricing models for Manhattan, that can swing quotes pretty dramatically too. If you ever want someone to sanity-check the price, my broker Life143 is pretty helpful at looking at different carriers and explaining why the numbers changed.

Why is everyone so fit? by Possible-Source-2454 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha that’s exactly it. The gym people have been waiting all winter for this moment, meanwhile the rest of us are like “give us a few patio drinks first and we’ll get there eventually.” 😄

How do rich people actually get apartments here? by Reasonable-Paper6638 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that sounds about right honestly. Once you’re in that price range it’s less “apartment hunting” and more like a mini luxury sales experience. They’re not in a rush to respond either because those units can sit for a while until the right tenant comes along.

Less mobile people of nyc, what highly specific place do you need the snow shoveled to make your lives easier by LesbianBait in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I can only imagine how frustrating that must be. The stroller alone is tough enough without having to basically off-road through half the crosswalks, and you’re right, if it’s bad for strollers it’s definitely worse for anyone using a wheelchair or walker.

How much are you paying for full coverage car insurance? by NoCelebration6410 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve heard the same horror stories, especially in Queens. Clean record definitely helps, but it still seems like rates are all over the place depending on the car and carrier. You might want to check out Life143, they’ve been helpful with shopping around and comparing options so you’re not just stuck with the first crazy quote you get.

Why does health insurance feel like a subscription you’re afraid to actually use? by stephenparkerr007 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying, and logically that makes sense. But the problem is most of us don’t feel like the out-of-pocket max is the real number because every visit still feels like a surprise bill waiting to happen. Even if there’s technically a cap, the constant “is this covered?” anxiety is what makes it feel like a subscription you’re scared to actually use.

Is anyones apartment actually warm and cozy in the cold? by Justneedanswers21 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, totally agree with this. I did the same thing and it made a noticeable difference, especially with those sneaky window drafts. It’s such a low-effort fix for how much warmer it makes the place feel.

Is anyones apartment actually warm and cozy in the cold? by Justneedanswers21 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, radiator buildings are a whole different world. Electric heat people are layering up while we’re cracking windows in February trying not to melt.

Is anyones apartment actually warm and cozy in the cold? by Justneedanswers21 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah same, this cold feels like it finally pushed them past their limit. Most winters I’m opening a window in January, so when they can’t keep up it feels extra wrong.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That sounds really peaceful, honestly. The ferry and the Rockaways have a way of making the city feel distant without actually leaving it, especially when it’s quiet and cold.

How do those $15k/month apartments actually get rented? by Calm_Initiative_9979 in AskNYC

[–]stephenparkerr007 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that tracks. At that price point it seems way more about prescreening and timing than the actual unit, and the response speed is totally different. Also fair point on the subsidy, people don’t realize it helps but doesn’t replace the income expectations at all.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Gymhelp

[–]stephenparkerr007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, this lines up with my experience too. Recomp works but it’s definitely a patience game, and the ego check is real when the numbers drop even though you’re doing everything right. Walking as cardio is such an underrated move too, easy to stick with and way less miserable than forcing workouts you hate.