You Can Make New York Better and Welcoming in 2025: 12 Simple Actions That Will Change the City's Atmosphere

Many people start a new year by thinking about the improvements they want to make in their lives. New Yorkers are no exception. Gothamist reflects on New Year's resolutions, which may concern not only achievements in personal life, but also in public life.

People promise themselves to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, or learn new skills. But that's just for their personal lives. How about adding a few promises that will help everyone?

As a New Yorker and co-host of the weekly etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?, Nick Layton thinks a lot about what would make the city a nicer place for everyone.

Leighton shared 12 rules of etiquette that will make life a little easier for city dwellers.

Book only the restaurants you plan to visit

Restaurant reservations are a limited resource in this city. Booking multiple tables for one evening and then canceling at the last minute or not showing up at all is very rude to other diners.

Let people in first, then come in

When etiquette and physics match, you know you're on the right track. the wayWhenever you get on a subway car or a bus, just let people out first and then get on.

Return books to the library quickly

New York City is fortunate to have amazing library systems, but their collections are not limitless.

On the subject: 11 Unwritten Rules of Etiquette on the New York Subway

When you finish reading a book, chances are someone else will want it. It's always smart to return it as soon as you've finished it, not just by the due date. This includes digital copies.

Do not leave laundry in the washing machine

Do you have a washing machine in your apartment? Lucky you! For the rest of us, if you do your laundry in a shared machine, it's important to keep an eye on the time. Come back and pick up your laundry as soon as the cycle is finished.

Nobody wants to touch your laundry, but a person will have to do it if you don't come back for it on time.

Don't obscure art

There are many places in New York where you want to stand and admire forever. But remember that there are other people besides you who are hungry for beauty.

Turn the volume down

No one would say that New York is a “quiet” city. But that doesn’t mean we should go out of our way to make it louder. So always wear headphones on public transportation, don’t turn on speakerphone in public restrooms, and definitely don’t vacuum your apartment at 3 a.m.

Turn off your phone in the theater

Are you a doctor on call? Unless you have a very good reason to keep your phone on vibrate, just turn it off. Turn off your phone and smartwatch completely when you go to any live performance.

Knock before entering the toilet

Sure, you can grab the doorknob and tug vigorously to see if the bathroom is occupied. Or you can knock politely, wait a moment and listen for a response, and then gently turn the handle. Let's go with the second option.

Don't litter

Do you throw trash on the floor in your apartment? No? Then please don't do it on the street.

Get out of the way

No matter where you are, there will always be someone behind you who is moving faster and wants to pass you. From subway escalators to the narrow sidewalks of the West Village, always be aware of who and what is going on behind you. Step aside carefully when someone needs to pass.

Open the umbrella carefully.

When leaving the metro on a rainy day, don't open your umbrella on the stairs. Move to a safe distance. No one wants to be doused with water or poked in the eye.

Be kind to tourists

Yes, they walk in lines on the sidewalks and create crowds in the queues for coffee and at museums.

But be thankful that New York is so attractive to the world. Many people want to come here for a little taste of what we enjoy all year round. Whenever you're feeling frustrated by a tourist, just think to yourself, "Thank you for supporting our local economy!"