In season 2 of Louie C.K's self titled TV series, he tells his friend Eddie, "It's not 'your' life. It's life. Life is bigger than you. Life isn't something you possess, it's something that you take part in and you witness."
Now, he may be referencing a much bigger picture in this particular scenario, but you could easily replace "life" with "New York City" in this quote and it would work just the same.
People have a tendency to claim ownership of New York, which is always sort of irksome.
In reality, it belongs to none of us.
Nonetheless, each New Yorker has their own unique relationship with the city, and because NYC is so intense, this relationship inevitably is as well.
You have good days and bad days, ups and down, and you often question why you're even still here. Even if you're fully committed to being a New Yorker, it's complicated.
So, here are just a few reasons why you probably definitely have a love/hate relationship with the Big Apple.
1. The city takes so much out of you
You love the city, but is it worth the sky-high rents? The endless crowds?
The possible long term effects of breathing in whatever city gunk is in the air 24 hours a day?
You're just not sure.
2. ...But it's also defined who you are
Even if you only manage to stay in New York for a brief time, it undoubtedly has a big impact on who you are as a person. It changes your perspective, which in turn, changes you.
You're braver, stronger, and a whole lot smarter than the person you were before you came here.
3. It's seen you at your absolute worst
Maybe the subway is part of the reason why you finally break down and cry at the end of a long, exhausting day, but no one in your car seems to mind your sniffling mess of a self.
They've been there, too.
,4. ...But also at your absolute best
There's nowhere better to celebrate getting that promotion or new apartment than a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking all of Midtown.
The city has a way of making that view feel like it's all for you, and you nearly believe it.
5. You've said "I'm done" about a thousand times
When your landlord raised your rent for the third year in a row, you tell yourself that this is the last straw.
When you're an hour late to work due to an utterly disastrous morning of train delays, you swear that you've had enough of the MTA, and of New York all together.
6. ...But you always go back
Because one night you opt to listen to the hum of the city rather than your iPod when walking home, or catch a glimpse of Lincoln Center glittering ahead of you, or marvel at the perfectly cozy gloominess of Union Square Park after it rains.
And you fall in love all over again.
Check out 6 Reasons Why Time Warner Cable Is the Worst Part About Living in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy NY Daily News]