Transience of New York

Around July, when I first moved to New York, I recorded my observations of the city. Most of it was positive. I was in the honeymoon period with the city. Five months later, and I’m still in the honeymoon phase. But I’m beginning to see its weaknesses.

One glaring weakness is the transience of New Yorkers. I’ve made many friends here but very few are native New Yorkers. While that’s exciting, the city becomes this melting pot of different cultures, it also means people come and go.

I think this is especially true for my generation which came up in the era of remote school and work and are less geographically comitted. For example, I joined a writing club here where I met many friends. However, by the new year, the core group will be completely gone. Moved to different cities.

People say New York is a lonely place. Ironic, given its population density. But I can see it now. You make close friendships and then friends leave elsewhere.