‘Real Housewives of New York’ star Jill Zarin’s 10 rules for NYC living.
Monday, April 27th 2009, 4:00 AM
Eccles/BravoIn the nonstop world of NYC, manners matter. Jill Zarin has spent this season of “Real Housewives of NYC” dodging talons and tennis balls. Here’s her 10 top tips for city living.
1 PRACTICE ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE
When you see people coming, don’t frantically push the “door close” button just because you want to ride alone. “That happened to me yesterday,” says Zarin. “In my own building! [My husband] Bobby and I were walking to the door and it closes three feet in front of us. You know the lady in there was hitting the panic button.”
2 DON’T BE STINGY
“Tip people,” says Zarin. “People work hard; tip them. You won’t go broke if you pay the cab an extra dollar, or the doorman, or the waiter. In this economy, people live on it. I can’t emphasize this enough.”
3 DON’T KILL THE (BIKE) MESSENGER
When you’re getting out of a cab, look both ways before you throw open the door.
“I literally almost killed a guy on a bike working for a Chinese restaurant,” says Zarin. “I almost had a heart attack! I will never forget it! Thank God he got up and ran away.”
4 DON’T PULL RANK
If you want perks, like a better table at a restaurant, make patience and persistence your friends. “Ask nicely if they wouldn’t mind putting you at another table, and say you don’t mind waiting,” says Zarin. “For me, it’s about being in the wrong place because I’m always cold. Don’t sit me near the air conditioner.”
5 SAY ‘PLEASE,’ ‘THANK YOU’ AND ‘GOODBYE’
Don’t let a New York minute make you forget your manners. “My mother has this very bad habit of hanging up on me,” says Zarin. “She doesn’t say goodbye. I’ve inherited it. When I have a conversation with my husband and I think it’s over, I just hang up. It’s not polite.”
6 SAFETY FIRST
“I asked my driver, Juan, for a tip,” says Zarin. “He said don’t step too close to the subway when you’re waiting on the platform. It’s dangerous and people are stupid. Also, he’s a driver, so he hates jaywalking.”
7 BRING YOUR BAGGIES
“The most important of all: Scoop your poop,” says Zarin, who adores her Chihuahua Ginger. “And if you still smoke, pick up your butts.”
8 WATCH THE BARK AND THE BITE
Speaking of dogs, don’t let kids pet yours, no matter how cute the kid or dog. “It could be dangerous,” says Zarin. “I don’t let anybody near Ginger because she looks cute, but she’s mean. Do you hear her going insane right now? Because my assistant had the nerve to walk into the bedroom.”
9 WALK WARILY
Keep an eye on the sidewalk. “Or else you’ll be wearing heels and step in a grate,” says Zarin. “We’ve all done it.”
10 THOU SHALT NOT STEAL A CAB
“We’ve all stolen someone’s cab once,” says Zarin, “but don’t let it happen again. You only get one pass — when it’s snowing and it’s every man for himself.” And consider sharing. “Make eye contact. ‘Oh, you’re going where? I’ll drop you off.’ If it’s a gentleman, he’ll sometimes pay for it.”
Patrick Huguenin
June 11th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I adore puppies. I just got one particular a week ago and it has not been trained yet and has bitten me a few times but its absolutely nothing to worry about, i can train it properly. I hope
May 20th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Is always good the review tips of good manners, since we are living in this world very fast. I am a single mother of three kids, and I always like to read this kind of things to review with them. You are one of the housewives who inspired me to continue to reach my goals for a best living for the kids. God Blessed You!!!
May 16th, 2009 at 12:52 am
May 15, 2009.
Jill,
I agree with Lolly that your or any housewife’s dog need dog whisperer or dog obedience school. Suggestion that you watch tv show called “It’s dog or me” It shows a lady from British name Victoria showing the dog owner how to manage the dog’s manner. They are on Animal Planet channel. If I were in your shoes, I will try to learn to manage the dog’s manner from expert and Good luck.
W.Friendly
May 12th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Dear Jill,
You and all the other Ladies have been my inspiration to get up and go make my own dreams come true, make things happen for me. I know you have good lives, money, status but it has not come easy, you have worked hard for it. Sometimes, we watchers, want to live like you do; we want a fairy godmother to come and grant our wishes, I realized that it takes hard work. Thank you for inspiring me to work harder for my dreams. Soon I hope to open my own business and like you, be successful and be able to help others through charity work. You’ll never known how much you have inspired me. When I open my store, I’ll let you know. Remember me. Bella40
May 8th, 2009 at 1:47 am
I admire you so much. You’re such a great presence! Your daughter is really lucky to have a mom like you near her.
I wish you all the best~~!!
Viorica
May 6th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Jill,
I think you are terrific! You are respectful and kind even when presented with challenging social situations. What a good role model you are for everyone who watches your show. You have an incredible sense of style and your social grace is the perfect accessory.
Thank you!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I love these Jill, nice to see people still maintain a sense of good manners. I just went to NY for the first time for the NFL Draft Party at Espace and walking from Zanzibar my heel got caught in a grate and I almost fell face first. Luckily I am able to laugh at myself and a friend caught me so I did not fall white pants and all onto the sidewalk. I truly hope everyone reads and appreciates your tips. They are words to live by and teach our children
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Jill,
Do you think Ginger needs the dog whisperer?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:51 am
People who receives tips have always “lived on them,” it’s not just now that the economy is bad. It’s so irritating when I hear of people giving little to no tip to waitresses; you can’t be more rude than that. If you can’t afford the tip, then you shouldn’t go out.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I don’t live in the big city but I live by number 5. I always say please and thank you, especially when I order at a restaurant. I am always very courteous to everyone and always receive excellent service.