Chivalry Is Alive, Apparently

After class and my group meeting, which is way past 9pm, I took the F to the Lower East Side to meet a friend who is nice to overhaul her closet to find something for me to wear this weekend. She was having dinner with a guy right by Canal St. (Chinatown area) and asked to meet there. Being this ignorant novice who can afford to walk going home in one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, I thought to myself: "Chinatown? It will be as busy as usual, with peddlers and bargain-hunters - so what the heck. I should be okay."

Getting off the subway, and climbing up the stairs, the place was totally deserted. You can count with your fingers the number of people on the street. The streets were not well-lit, and I can only see dark alleys. It was creepy.

I needed to walk 3 blocks west to find this hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and 'lo and behold, out of nowhere, I was approached to by a black thug. I did not know what to do because I don't have any defense mechanism on me! He kept repeating "Hey wassup lady? Wha' you doin'?" He was blocking my way, but I passed him and walked away as fast as I could, trying to find a bright streetlight. I thought I was going to be mugged - again - but this time, with assault. I do not want to go through canceling my credit cards, replacing my phone, losing my keys and all those hassles! (Please Lord) I almost had a heart attack.

I found my friend eventually, and with my heart thumping, I ran to her. She was oblivious about what neighborhood is like at night, having dinner at this posh Swedish restaurant that is totally out-of-place in that neighborhood. So anyway, she happily showed some dresses (which by the way, all fit me very nicely!)

Let me cut to the chase.

Being a cheapo, I asked which train is better to take to get to Midtown. The guy friend - who is Caucasian - recommended that I take a cab instead, because it is not safe to be walking around and taking the train alone. Spare a few more bucks, and spare your life. Moreover, he did not feel comfortable letting me get off and walk (even for just a block where the cabs go) - so he insisted that he walk with me. And he did. What a nice, chivalrous gesture, I thought.

In New York, you can hardly find a guy who does that. I know that is nothing much - especially being raised in a mama's boy society. So I gave my friend a peck on the cheek, and whispered "he's a keeper".

Maybe next time I should just talk my friends into meeting in Times Square, even if it is not their most favorite ;-) At least that's where people and policemen never run out.