Apathetic, icy, distant, callous, egotistical? Let me engender a little cultural sensitivity and break down the barrier of the New Englander stereotype.

http://girlschase.girlschaseinc.netdna-cdn.com/images/act-superior-1.jpg

Obviously I can’t speak for everyone, but as a native Masshole, I feel I can shed some light on what is really going on underneath the thick skin. I am not brushing you off, I am leaving you alone. I am not being aloof or self-absorbed, I am being independent and letting you do the same. “Live and let live” is a more accurate stereotype. You are busy, I am busy, we both have our own things going on, so the nicest thing I can do is a quick glance and half-smile to let you know you don’t have to engage with me. I don’t want to be a bother. Now everywhere in the world has their share of jackelopes, and I am not referring to those individuals. But I would wager to say that there are a good number of people like me from the northeast USA. 

So the next time you see another apathetic self-absorbed New Englander, maybe, just maybe, it is his or her way of being polite.