Hey, thanks for the super chill compliment! Yes, it is much harder to make that same connection irl. It really feels like a mind of matter thing though. Sometimes I won't always be in the brightest mood, or neither will others at the time, and it just makes connections that much harder. I'll never forget what I did two weeks into my job though.
I felt like my best and I came into work and shouted "HEEEYYYY" I never felt like doing it again... it was just that particular day. Now, every time I come into work, this older lady will always give me a big greeting. People always assume quiet ones don't need attention, but everyone needs attention!
The subway though? Yeah, you probably don't want any attention there. I work at a retirement home, so you get to be a little more 'homely' with the small group of people you get to know and work with. Have any great experiences in NYC? I imagine there be a lot of unique experiences compared to where I live. I live in Sarasota, Florida.