I've had the opportunity to spend the last two summers in New York City, and every time I have to leave the comfort of the "concrete jungle," my heart breaks. New York isn't just a city -- it's a culture, a way of life. It's a place you can go to be accepted, appreciate beauty and eat s'mores french fries at all hours of the day. Leaving New York City comes with some major adjustments in addition to the heartbreak.
1. Every other city's metro system sucks
You may think nothing could be worse than a delayed 1, 2 or 3 train, but you've yet to experience the tangled, confusing web of a subway system literally anywhere else.
2. Bagels aren't actually bagels anywhere else
The picture says it all.
3. Living in a place with skyscrapers, a body of water and huge parks is actually pretty rare
Nothing compares to a day spent lounging in Riverside Park, even if Jersey looms in the background.
4. No other place in the world compares
I've travelled to seven different countries, seen several cities from thousands of feet in the air and even lived in one of the most beautiful cities in France, but none of them can hold a candle to New York City. I'm constantly stunned by the New York City skyline and the unique way of life.
5. Fast-walking isn't socially acceptable anywhere else
A lot of people actually think it's kind of rude. Weird.
6. You actually have to hold doors and make eye contact everywhere else
...Even when you're hungover and late to work. I know.
7. People will question why you're wearing all black
"It's a New York City thing."
8. People will hate when you brag about New York
People get pretty sick of your stories when they all start with, "When I lived in New York..."
9. Cabs don't just wait on the sides of streets ready to take you anywhere you want
You actually have to call them sometimes. Craziness.
10. Bars close early
Don't expect to stay out until 4 a.m. or later. Last call usually happens just before 2 a.m.
11. Food places don't stay open past 2 a.m.
Even Dominos closes early.
12. If you find a food place open past 2 a.m., it will be disappointing compared to drunk NYC pizza places
The obsession with New York City pizza is 100 percent justified, trust me.
13. You'll even start to miss the chaos of Times Square
That's when you know.
14. You can't just refer to it as "the city"
Believe it or not, thousands of other cities exist that aren't New York. Referring to it as "the city" might make some people wonder if you mean Boston or Chicago. Heartbreaking, I know.
15. You will dream about wanting to go back every. single. day.
You'll stare at your New York City skyline phone background and dream about finally being back. You'll completely plan out your future apartment, wallpaper and all. You'll spend hours searching for internships or jobs literally anywhere on the island of Manhattan. You won't be satisfied until you're finally back.
