I find it intriguing to learn of each person's perception of Charlotte. The latest visitor I was assisting spoke of the trees. They came from southern California and was amazed how green and full everything is here. As they visited various Charlotte homes they were amazed! There are trees shrubs and grass everywhere. They were so accustomed to the concrete jungle of California that they did not realize the beauty of vegetation and nature.
Another popular impression is the cleanliness. Charlotte NC take great pride in keeping a clean city. As you travel around Charlotte search for litter and spray paint. There are crews continuously cleaning up Charlotte so that the city remains sparkling fresh. Yes, the surrounding areas do the same. It is about class.
I recall my first impression years ago at a festival in downtown Charlotte (before it was changed to uptown Charlotte). I was impressed with how clean the city remained. I then noticed that when ever a visitor got up from a bench, someone was coming around wiping the benches! At this point in my career I just arrived from Pittsburgh, PA. I was accustom to paint on every overpass, bridge and wall. I thought nothing of this; it was normal. After living in Charlotte I returned to visit. WOW! I missed the cleanliness of Charlotte.
Another custom in Charlotte is that we wave and smile to our neighbors. Smiling is free and it makes your day a little bit brighter. If you are on a rural road and you pass another car you are also expected to wave and smile. You are right some people do not do this but we still smile and wave to the new comers. They will learn; being friendly is free and this is our norm.
A family moved here from South Florida. Within a week of their first visit they were smiling and waving. They laughed with me and said that they can not do this when they return to Florida; people will either think they are crazy or think they want something.
Rules of the road: Be polite! If someone is not paying attention you may tap the horn lightly. There is no need to be ugly and lay on your horn. A horn is meant for emergencies or for FRIENDLY greetings. Being loud and obnoxious to others is not welcome here. If your life is so miserable that you feel it necessary to vent on the rest of the world, there are two possibilities. Seek medical help or return to where this temperament is the norm. We like it this way.
Rule #2 of the road: Be polite. If some one needs to make a left turn, let them. If someone is pulling out of a parking lot, let them out. If someone is going to slow, be understanding. They are likely new to the area, as you were once, and need a little more time to figure out where they are going.
The overall summary of the rules are simply to be nice.
1) Wave and smile to your neighbors. A smile is an unlimited free gift that you have to share.
2) Smile and wave to anyone on a country road. Smiles are free and someday you may be stuck on that small road and will be impressed with the people that are friendly and willing to lend a hand.
3) A horn is not meant for you to vent your life's misery!
4) Be understanding of your fellow drivers. Allow them to pull out when they are stuck. Wave and smile. Smiles have unlimited powers. They spread an infectious disease called happiness. We like that one!
5) Have some class- do not litter. This is your home. You came here for a different life style. Leave the trash there. You are better than that.
6) We only wave with 5 fingers. Remember rule # 5; have some class.
Overall, just be happy. You will discover that your smile will brighten up your day and everyone around you. You control your happiness and mine. Keep smiling and welcome to your new Charlotte home.