I {Love} New York

I moved to New York almost 10 years ago. When I moved to the city it hadn't been my first choice nor did I think I'd be here more than the 2 year job I was taking.  Flash forward 10 years and I am as close as a lifer as i think i can get. 

New York to me is a person, family even.  I talk about her like she's a person.  I feel about her like I would a close close friend.  So it shouldn't have surprised me when I got offended when someone put her down.

I was walking to the subway last night when I overheard someone say "I really don't like the city."  You could tell the comment was made by someone who lives here or around here and not a tourist.  When she said it I had a physical reaction.  I almost turned around and glared at her.... but then the rational side of me realized. "Kim, she's entitled to her opinion."  

I don't get upset when people visiting the city or those who don't live here say they don't like the city.  I mean I feel sad for them :) But I don't have a reaction to their dislike but coming from someone who lives here I was deeply offended. It equated emotionally to her saying "I hate your mom."  I wanted to argue with her and tell her all the reasons she should love the city.  I felt bad for the city that this person said a mean thing about her.  

Ok I know I sound a touch crazy right now... and I kinda am... but it surprised me as much as its confusing you I am sure.  I've always known I had a deep love and affection for the city but I didn't realize just how deep it went until that moment. I get that people don't like the city but I just love it so much that I apparently have instant reactions to it :)

Now, I do like the suburbs. I secretly want a house with a yard and the ability to get in my car and drive 5 minutes to the store.  It took me an hour and a half to go 1 mile uptown to pick up dinner for a friend and then back down a mile to deliver said meal.... if i didn't live in the city it would have taken 20 minutes TOPS. I miss the convenience of living outside of the city.  I also need a vacation once or twice a year to re balance... but I do love the city... The funny thing though is what i love about the city is not really NYC related but the community of people here.  Yet I still get offended when people put it down.  

The city is a pretty great place and in many respects I kinda grew up here. I might have been in my late 20s and 30s while I've been here but I learned more about who I am here than I did before.  When people ask what i love about the city I can't tell them this museum or this show or this attraction. Although lovely, what I love more about the city is the feel, the people, the heart.  Something you can't really taste until you've spent time here.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!