Chronicles Of The City: 5 Things That Happen When You Move

By Caitlin Corsetti

I’ve been in New York for three weeks, and while it isn’t quite home yet, it’s certainly getting there. Every day I get to wake up and smell the person standing too close to me coffee. The guy who runs the coffee cart by my office already knows my order (black, like my soul) and already has it ready for me when he sees me walking up. That my friends, is amazing. Every day I look up and see tall, majestic buildings and have to pinch myself because it always feels like a dream.

Yes, I’m still dazzled by the lights and things but let’s be real: who wouldn’t be? I’m not a small-town girl, but NYC has always been the goal. When I was a kid, I went to the World Trade Center with my dad, looked out across the city, and knew I wanted to exist in this wonderful place. Surely I’m going to feel a bit cynical when it’s winter and I’m trudging along in the snow to work. But I will gladly take my time and fall in love with this city all over again every chance I get.

It amazes me how quickly things change when you move to a new city. It happens when you go off to college, but the changes seem more drastic now.

1. People from home are suddenly really interested in everything you do: what are you doing? Did you meet cool people? Where’s your favorite new restaurant? Tell me all of the things! I find myself telling lots of stories over and over, which is awesome. In college, conversations with far away friends were like “I’m hungover. School sucks. Miss you, love you.” Now I’m automatically super interesting because of my new location.

2. People in your new city are not really interested: I was hoping a little Southern charm might get me somewhere. You know, throw in a few “bless your heart’s” and a mini-accent every now and then. “Oh I just moved up from Atlanta,” doesn’t mean anything. It will, however, grant you several looks that I’ve determined mean “You poor girl, you have no idea what this place will do to you.” I now find myself going straight up Long Island just to avoid it.

3. People from home are not on your schedule: When you’re on break or get off work, everyone from home is busy. Go figure. When they have time to talk, you’re busy. It’s a cosmic rule.

4. You will vehemently deny missing home: you’re in a new place! You’re having the time of your life! Missing home is for sissies, which you certainly are not. You’ve moved on, and you love everything about your new home. Even the rats.

5. You will absolutely get homesick after #4: homesickness will come crashing down on you at some point or another. It often occurs in waves. You’ll go from being totally fine to seeing something that reminds you of your dog and breakdown. But then you’ll go back to #4 and be awesome for a while. It’s a rough cycle.

In addition, you’ll give your number out to a lot of people as well as get some into your phonebook. You may even be so lucky as to get some business cards handed to you with a message on the back (seriously-this just happened). You’ll find your favorite coffee shop and a deli. You’ll perfect your commute to and from work. You’ll feel victorious when someone asks you for directions. And every time you do these things, you’ll start to feel a little more at home.

[Image via We Heart It]

Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts and is now working for an awesome company in New York City. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!