Summer in New York City is amazing. It’s hands down the best season with lots of outdoor concerts, rooftop drinking, and the opportunity for exploring.
But not every aspect of summer in NYC is a walk in the park. Literally. You’re probably expecting to take way more walks in the park than you’ll actually take.
Some things about summer suck, like the fact that the streets are way more crowded now since everyone is out of hibernation and out of their apartments.
You probably won’t eat outside at as many restaurants as you think you will, because eating out is still really expensive-- even though it’s nice out.
And even though you got to hang out and play all summer when you were a kid, you’re a real life adult with a job now.
All that being said, here are 7 more expectations versus the ugly realities of summertime in NYC.
1. Expectations: constant trips to the beach
The ugly reality: the beach is harder to get to than your fantasies ever imagined
Your fantasies of beaching this summer didn’t include waiting for a half hour at sketchy-ass Euclid Avenue, long rides on the A line, or expensive train rides to Long Island.
[anad]
They also didn’t include the barrage of actual beach realities including sand getting in every crevice of your cell phone, sand in your eyes, clouds blocking the sun, and cold water infested with crabs and jellyfish.
Or everyone being too busy working to plan an actual beach trip.
2. Expectations: constant free concerts in Central Park
The ugly reality: you might end up going to one or two free concerts...
Because the concerts you actually want to see aren’t free.
The biggest names at Central Park Summerstage cost money to fund the concerts that are actually free.
And while it might seem super likely and realistic that you and your friends will get it together to go see tons of free concerts this summer, the reality is that matching up everyone’s schedule is just as hard in the summer as ever.
3. Expectation: nice weather every single day
Reality: yep, there's still rain. Lots of it
It always comes as a surprise that it actually rains in the summer, too.
It feels like a complete betrayal from the weather gods when it’s freezing and pouring in June. Didn’t they get the memo that it’s supposed to be forever amazing during the months of June, July, and August?
But also, remember that without it, we’d have no plants or drinking water or anything... so we kind of-- sort of-- need it.
4. Expectation: you’ll look awesome every day
Reality: you're going to sweat
Yes, you will get to wear your summer dresses, and shorts, and all the rest of your clothes that make you look like a baller.
But you’re going to get sweaty. Like really, really sweaty. There's no way you can properly prepare yourself for the sweatiness to come.
[anad2]
You’ll be packed in really close on the subway with other really sweaty people, and when you get to work, you’ll probably have to wash your face in the sink before you walk into your office, keeping your arms down all day so no one sees your pit stains.
Also, with summertime heat in NYC comes a ton of humidity, and all the girls out there feel me when I say this does not bode well for your hair.
,5. Expectation: you’ll work out all the time and rock your beach bod
Reality: cupcakes still exist in the summer
Here’s another sobering reality: you’re definitely going to be eating a ton more ice cream now that it’s nice out.
Anyone who can walk past a 16 Handles in sweltering summer heat has both the willpower of a wizard and my utmost respect, but the rest of us mortals will definitely be going inside and getting five flavors and lots of toppings.
[anad]
You’ll also probably be attending more outdoor parties and drinking functions now that it’s nice out.
And unless you love nothing more than plain old vodka, you’ll probably consume more calories than normal because you're drinking so much beer.
See, that usually doesn't go that well for looking good in a bathing suit, but whatever. We know you’ll rock your suit anyway, and feel confident even while ice cream is dripping all over your face.
6. Expectation: you’ll fall in love like some character in a Nicholas Sparks novel
Reality: you regret ever reading Nicholas Sparks
Even though Grease spoiled us into thinking we’ll all have summer lovin’; that it’ll be a blast; that it’ll happen so fast, the reality is that this is still NYC, after all. Dating sucks and hookup culture still exists.
The more likely scenario is that you’ll get drunk, go home with someone at the bar, and continue to meet casually on the weekends.
And contrary to popular belief, the fact that it’s gorgeous outside doesn’t make dating in NYC suck any less.
7. Expectation: you’ll be tan all the time
Reality: you’re going to burn long before you ever tan
Fact. Period. Done. That’s just the end of it. Buy some sunscreen and wear it.
Yes, sunscreen does make you sticky and oily, and yes, it will make sand cling to you, but all of these minor inconveniences from wearing sunscreen are much better than actually getting sunburned.
[anad2]
Oh, and not wearing sunscreen is not a good way to tan, but you’ll probably figure this out once your face is red and peeling.
Love summertime? 8 Great Reasons Why Mr. Softee Will Forever Be Quintessential NYC.