The other day I was stressed out and had a quick therapy session with a friend- you know those long conversations where you contemplate every aspect of your life, what’s going on and what’s going to happen. When heading class, I finished our conversation with a short sentence: “honestly, I’ve reached the point where I just don’t care.” My friend looked at me and laughed, “Hanna, you’re officially a New Yorker, welcome to the club”.  I laughed, because what she said, was so damn true.

I’ve been quite a few places in the US, and I think it’s safe to say that New Yorkers aren’t like regular Americans- they’re a special kind of people; a special breed that thrive on the diversity of this energetic city. Becoming a New Yorker doesn’t happen after you’ve visited Times Square or shopped at Macy’s. On the contrary, a New Yorker avoid those areas at all costs. And to be honest, I don’t know how to define a New Yorker per se, but what I do know is when I realized that I  had become a part of this fantastic community.

When people, including the taxi drivers, started asking me directions, and I knew exactly what to answer

Speaking of transportation, when I realized that an empty subway cart is not a blessing, it’s a curse.. What is that smell?

When the sight of three people walking down the curb annoyed me on another level – Step up, speed up, or get out of my way! 

When I started jay walking. Definition “An inability to give a care about when streetlights and signs say it is ‘safe’ to cross the street”

When the local Starbucks started to remember my order – Grande skinny dirty chai latte, hot, coming up. 

When I found a 2 bdr for $3500 dollars, and thought it was reasonable. 

When I mastered the art of avoiding eye contact with everyone at the subway. Because doing so, may cause very uncomfortable situations.

When going to bed at 1, and getting up at 6 became OK. It’s true what they say, this city never sleeps. (I’m so tired right now..) 

When doing 5 things at once became the norm, not the exception. You’re expected to get good grades, have an internship, attend events and have a social life. 

When I realized that I’m no longer afraid to speak my mind. Not that that has ever been an issue, but this city really does “toughen” you up. After you’ve lived her for a while, you get really sure of yourself, without being arrogant, of course.

Every day, when I walk these streets, I feel like I’m home. I guess it’s true what they say, being in New Yorker is a state of mind; an empire state of mind.

(The two first pictures are from google)