Readers Digest conducted a survey in big cities to see if courtesy was dead. Are people really more rude than they were 20 years ago? The Digest sent reporters into retail establishments to see how many would hold the door, would help them pick up papers dropped by accident, would say ‘thank you' at the register. They've ranked 35 cities around the world in a sort of kindness index.

The verdict was unexpected but delightful… NEW YORK City topped them all!

In the end, four out of every five people they encountered passed the Readers Digest courtesy test — making New York the most courteous city in the world. Imagine that. (All the courtesy reported here.)

In the end, four out of every five people they encountered passed the Readers Digest courtesy test — making New York the most courteous city in the world. Imagine that. (All the courtesy reported here.)