Maya Rudolph Quotes

I had this temp receptionist job in New York, and I kind of hated it, and in the morning I would come out of the subway and just walk along the New York streets with all these people around me and kind of sing to myself. Like, 'She's gonna make it!'

For me, New York is about anonymity; that's the draw. It's not at all about other people in my business being nearby. It's that I can get on the subway and eavesdrop on conversations that I would never have access to otherwise. That's why I stay. That's why I could never leave.

Why should I worry, why should I care? And even when I cross that line, I got street savoire faire.

I'm a short, fairly plain person who's bluffing his case and getting away with it.

I do a lot of eavesdropping. That's one of the things I miss about New York: just checking people out.

Always look nice because you never know who you'll run into that you have to leave an impression on.

I'm all about first impressions, so I love a guy who looks good and walks in with some confidence. That starts with a clean-shaven face and a great smile that'd I'd like to get close to.

The difference between me and other Superstars is that I am more intelligent, possess a superior streetwise viciousness and am motivated by money.

New York was a fantastic place to disappear because no one cares who you are. No one bothers you. In my ten years living there I was never once asked for an autograph or stopped on the street. It was an absolute joy. I gave myself time and space to get to know myself more.

Good grooming and hygiene are essential. It's never too early to start being concerned about your appearance - first impressions are everything.

New York offers people the anonymity to be themselves without judgment.

Confidence is everything, and the way you carry yourself, your posture, eye contact, all of that is such a big role in impressions, regardless of your size.

It's like on the first day of school that's the happiest you're going to be because you're wearing a new outfit. So I think your clothes and the way you present yourself definitely helps your morale.

I'm from the hood. You put me in a rough neighborhood and believe me, I'm OK.

I wasn't really into music. I was into the streets. I was too worried about the streets and how I was going to eat and how I was going to make the streets happen.

Growing up in Manhattan has given me a thick skin.

I'm in New York every two weeks. I don't have to ring a bell when I come to the city. I just do what I'm supposed to do when I'm in the city. I don't shy away.

How you carry yourself is how people perceive you.

I just try to look good always.

I'm a proud person. I'm not vain. I look at it like it is. If you've got the money and you're going to be out there, you owe it to people not to look like a dog if you can help it.

Welcome to New York, where everybody's a stranger, and nobody is.

[On living in New York City:] I'm oblivious to everything. I just don't notice anything. I sat in a coffee shop, drank half a cup of coffee before I noticed there was lipstick on the cup. There was wadded-up gum and lipstick on the napkin. I must have been sitting on that woman's lap for an hour.

I like it here in New York. I like the idea of having to keep eyes in the back of your head all the time.

I walk a lot in New York, not for the exercise but to get from place to place, and because it's the way of having the least contact with human beings.

Always dress like you're going to see your worst enemy.