Oh I hear ya. I used to work with a lady back in my restaurant days that would emphasize often that she was from Lynn. Which, was enough to get a bead on her personality. All to say, some people take pride in being from an environment where everyone treats each other like garbage because no one learned how to respect one another. I hate it and I always have. That said, I do think in some established contexts playful ribbing among friends and family is the normal way of interacting (which I hope you see my initial comment as just that)

I will say, I worked in NYC at one point and my first few experiences on my own needing help didn’t go too smoothly; seemed like there was a rule book somewhere that I was supposed to know about and should have glanced before coming. Even a simple question like “am I in the right place to…?” Gets an eye roll. Sink or swim. Which I don’t think would happen in Boston but I’m probably biased.

Reminds me of back when I went to Minnesota for a job interview, and later to work. The first night I’m at a bar getting a meal, I see several people shooting glances my way and experience tells me I’m in for it. Turns out they just wanted to talk to a new person. They said I didn’t have much of an accent. I probably do, but not like the movies. Any way, I later found out that the midwestern bubbly kindness was often a means of masking passive aggression and you learn what signs to look for. All to say I’ve met jerks all over, just different modes of expression.

I honestly haven’t been to Cannon, I looked at it more than a few times. I don’t have a lot of criteria for a hill, but to me it seemed a little more oriented towards skis than a board. Perhaps I’m wrong and I should give it a shot. Even if it were I always have a good time regardless. I wouldn’t say I’m new; actually just returning after a few years off, but I try pretty hard to not be Jerry.