Originally posted by legolas
Sorry dude, Boston people are really cold. You seat right next to someone, and they don't even look at you. They are in ther own world. Yeah some babes on the T that go to school here are from other states, but they learn fast too 
Peope in big cities are cold in general. I'm from a fairly small town, where it's not uncommon to say hi to everyone who happens to pass you on the sidewalk. When I went to NYC, I was stunned by how cold some people are - but also with how I was barraged by people trying to beg me for money or otherwise scam me out of it. I spent 2 hours walking down the streets before I wanted to start carrying a sign that said "LEAVE ME THE F*CK ALONE!" By day three, I had learned not to make eye contact with strangers or aknowledge them in any way. The second you accidentally show even the smallest nugget of interest, they're all over you like hounds.
When you start up a conversation with a stranger in a place like this, the first thing they're thinking is "Uh oh, what does this guy want from me?" Just ignore the initial coldness, and make conversation. Most people will warm up when they realize that you don't have an agenda. Many of these 'cold' people, you will find, actually crave a decent conversation with a kind stranger who isn't trying to get money from them somehow.
Expect a bit of coldness at first, but play with it. Tease them, let them know you're just having fun and making conversation.
