Dear New York City (more specifically, Manhattan),
This may (hopefully not) be the last year that I'm spending with you. I know people usually don't write these types of letters, but I do.
I worry about our relationship.
I'm not calling it off (oh God, I hope I never have to), nor am I starting an argument with you. Rather, I'm just contemplating what I'd do sans toi.
You've proved to be the place (yes, the place) for the college grad, starter-upper, wide-eyed dreamer, and bakery-lover.
It's fascinating; you see on TV all these people who move to this big city to start out their careers, to find a new life, to follow their hearts -- to be more exact. (Or, we can take a tackier route and say the people that come here are looking for "love and labels" as Ms Carrie Bradshaw so proudly stated.)
This summer, there were two girls who moved in in the middle of the summer housing period. Stephanie and Brittany. Both were from Texas and they had done some program last year and hence stayed in NYU summer housing last summer. After graduating the following spring, they decided to move here without a job and try to make it here.
Look at that! Within a week of being my suitemates, they found an apartment and scheduled interviews.
Within two and a half weeks, they both found jobs.
Manhattan, you've even graced my supervisor/boss Diana upon her arrival four years ago. From basically having nothing in Manhattan, she's now acquired a great job, permanent living situation, and a husband.
I have trust in you, Manhattan! You've given me a fantastic internship opportunity with a party planning site (that's a link for you). The team has been great to me, and heck, I'm even continuing the internship through the fall semester.
It's really given me a fantastic look into the internet world (as if being an NYU blogger wasn't enough), and I've had the great chance to edit and write articles.
But, Manhattan, despite my joy, you've been harsh:
1. You make me work too hard.
2. You confuse me.
3. Your sommeliers can be real jerks.
4. Your bicyclists yell at me when I don't hear them say "RIGHT RIGHT" (What does that mean!? Are you coming to my right? You want me to move to the right!? Did you not see the signs that say "Be Slow And Courteous"?)
5. Your exorbitant prices
6. Lack of subways in the West Village...
And you don't care that you've been harsh! I suppose I should have known that you go by the philosophy of "Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" (or more bitter).
In any case, I love you in spite---despite---all of the crap.
(Mostly because I just came back from eating at a wonderful diner -- the type that only NYC can offer).
Love forever,
Jessica