[This is a continuation of the author's series on New Orleans lessons, to commemorate both her 10th anniversary of living in New Orleans , as well as the 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.]

H is for Hello!

Even though my fellow Midwesterners can be quite friendly, they're no match for New Orleanians at large. This is a city where you are encouraged, nay, required to say hello to everyone you pass.

My first summer here, I found myself walking down the sidewalk in a heat-induced funk. I passed a homeless man, seated against a building, bottle in hand. Too grumpy to say anything, I tried to pass him in silence. But he interrupted me: "You could at least say hello," he sneered, obviously upset. Put off by his attitude, I ignored him and kept walking. But he taught me an important lesson: being friendly isn't just a kind-hearted gesture, but an important way to stay safe in this strange city. It's the opposite of northern cities like Chicago and New York , where human connection implies weakness: if you don't want to get mugged, I suggest making eye contact with strangers and shouting a confident "hello" as you pass by. With one happy little word, you're expressing fearlessness, spreading goodwill, and creating to the feeling of community that makes our city such a fun place to live.

While you're at it, take a moment to stop and chat with your neighbors. Even if they're funny looking or smell funny, they're probably good people with entertaining stories or a pot of red beans on the stove. And you'll never get to taste real local food if you don't introduce yourself to real locals.