What I’ve Learned From 7 Years in New York

Moving to New York for college is somewhat like cheating your way to becoming a Manhattanite. There were a number of things I didn’t have to learn the hard way because I had an RA and a floor full of freshman to hold my hand during that first year navigating the terrain.

It’s hard to believe that yesterday marked 7 years since I moved into that first dorm room located literally on Washington Square Park. I still remember how terrified I felt that day. It was my first day of college but I was also filled with this insane and irrational fear that I would never learn my way around the city and forever be confused about which was was East or West and how people knew how to get anywhere on the subway.

It’s been 7 years and I’ve definitely learned my way around both above and below ground. I can generally help tourists that stop me on the street and leave my friends detailed instructions on how to get to my apartment when they’re visiting from out of town.

Lately I’ve been feeling like New York has left me calloused. I’m tired of putting on my bitch face so people won’t bother me on the street and pushing people out of my way because it’s necessary. Just surviving in this city can be exhausting. Despite these recent feelings, deep down inside I know this city is home. It’s where Broadway lives and breathes. Where the fitness scene is booming. Where I can get a Starbucks soy chai latte on practically every corner. And most importantly, the place I dreamed about living since I was 5 years old.

I think you have to wait 10 years to truly call yourself a New Yorker. So I technically have 3 more years before I can wear that badge with pride. In the meantime, I’m going to go all Carrie Bradshaw on you and talk about what I’ve learned as an [almost] New Yorker over the past 7 years.

A long walk can fix everything

In a bad mood? Go for a walk. In a great mood? Go for a walk. Feeling lonely? Go for a walk. Need to get away from people? Go for a walk.

One of my favorite things about New York is that it’s a walkers paradise. Where I grew up in the suburbs it was definitely not like that and it was one of the things I missed the most during my brief stint living in Los Angeles post-college. I’m also convinced this is why New Yorkers are secretly so fit and healthy. According to my iPhone I walked over 7 miles yesterday. Like, what.

Alone is not lonely

One of the best things I’ve learned while living in New York is how to be alone. How to be independent. I’ve become really comfortable doing things on my own, Saturday I ran 13 miles, ate brunch at one of my favorite places and saw a Broadway show all on my own. Honestly, it was a great day.

I’ve lived on my own 5 out of my 7 NYC years. If you can live alone financially, I can’t recommend it enough even for a teeny tiny portion of your life. You learn so much about yourself in a strange strange way. I’m proud that I’m not one of those girls that needs to go to the bathroom with a group. I don’t need other people to join me if there’s a yoga class I want to check out or somewhere I want to explore. Knowing how to be alone and independent is such an important skill. Yes, I’m calling it a skill.

I also now know that alone does not mean lonely. I have a boyfriend. I have good friends that I grab dinner with after work. I have my little fitness community of instructors and people I see in my daily routine. So while I know how to be alone, it’s rarely ever lonely.

You have to grow thick skin

It’s true. This city will eat you alive if you let it. In any given day I’ll see a a lot of nasty things, a lot of disturbing things, ignore people that comes up to me, brush off rude comments from strangers, and avoid eye contact with canvassers asking if I care about gay rights because I’m in a rush or don’t feel like talking to anyone.

While maybe this place has made me calloused and the slightest bit bitter, it has also made me a more resilient person. That part of New Yorkers is something I’m proud of.

Fellow NYC dwellers, chime on in about your experience.