I spend my days below 14th St. and generally above Canal. I’ve had girlfriends. I’ve been in love. I’ve had my heart ripped out and handed to me by numerous women. I’ve done my share of ripping too. These are stories of my New York.
Anonymous asked: I know Manhattan is the greatest, but have you ever had any friends leave NYC? If so, why? It seems that most people who move there end up staying, at least most of my friends have stayed.
People leave for three reasons.
1. New York is not for you.
New York is a great time, and you’re welcome to come experience it, but it’s really not for everyone. Life is hard here. Summer is pretty fun and the fall is glorious, but winter is long and brutal, and spring is basically nonexistent. Add to that the cramped quarters and brutally high cost of living, there is no shame in not wanting to call this city home. You tried it out, but you want a back yard or you’re a nature person, whatever, it’s not for you. Totally fair.
2. You couldn’t hack it.
Most people that can’t hack it here will say New York is not for them, but that’s just an excuse. Usually it’s the partying that gets them. Without the threat of DUI, the 4am last call, and any drug desired a call away, this city will bring the chemically challenged to their knees pretty damn quick. Other people are challenged not chemically, but emotionally. It’s a tough place, filled with parasites, rejection, and depravity. Some people are just not mentally tough enough to make it here. Depression, bi-polar disorder, and other milder conditions can really make a run at your sanity when you’re cramped in with two roommates, living check to check, and working at job that seems like it’s going nowhere. Sometimes even if you want it, and want it bad, New York’s still not for you.
3. You grew up.
Some people have kids and want space. Others get older and come to realization number one, so it’s sorta the same thing. But here’s the thing, some people have to leave because their life or career takes them away. I have some really cool and talented friends who’ve left New York because the work they chose has taken them elsewhere. Friends of mine who write or act would love to stay here forever, but the opportunities are all in Los Angeles, so they go. Another friend of mine went to Oregon to teach college, another is in Atlanta becoming a chiropractor. This is part of growing up, understanding that if you really want to find success, or grow your career, you may have to leave. It takes a grown up to leave this city behind and chase those dreams, and those people I applaud and miss very much.
