It's Not You, It's Me

Dear New York City,

This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. To leave you like this. I really want you to know, it's not you, it really is me. I know others have said this, but believe me when I say it. I don't want to be with anyone else but you.

I loved you before I met you. I would see you from across the world and I knew, we were meant for each other. How could I not? You are everything I have ever wanted. Older, more sophisticated, beautiful, full of new and exciting experiences. You have been through hardship, only to come out of it stronger and more kind. And let's not lie, you are HUGE!

I will never forget the first time we met. I knew my instincts were right from the first second. I knew you were it. You filled me with an energy I had never known before. It was intoxicating. I was heartbroken then when I had to say goodbye, but I never knew I could feel this sad.

Everything about you is magical. You have a way of making a girl feel like the only girl in the world, like you want no one else and that this love affair is exclusive. Even though I always knew you had others, I liked that you made me feel secure in our relationship. You make me feel safe and at home, like no one else has.

You are so multifaceted and eclectic. One day its a museum, the next a concert at a dive bar. You are comfortable anywhere and everywhere. Everyday with you is something different and - for a random girl like myself - this suites me just fine.

You have shown me fine dining, great theater, sports I could have only dreamed of seeing, music I could have only heard on my iPod, people I never thought could exist, a kindness I thought was missing and a feeling I thought I was lacking - unbridled excitement.

There have been no bad memories. Even though you sometimes stink, you cost me a lot of money and I have suffered more heartache because of you, I will never stop wanting us to be together. For me there is no one else above you.

I know it is timing, because chemistry like this cannot be faked (even by my overactive imagination). We just work, you and I. Like two puzzle pieces. Even though this relationship was brief, you made me realize what I want in this world and what I deserve aren't mutually exclusive. I am my best when we are together. I hope you know this. While I was never cool enough for you, you make me be the person I want to be, the person that is often hiding or too scared to come out.

While this isn't our time, I know we will be together someday. I feel it in my bones. I will come back to you a little older and a little wiser, and our relationship will flourish. I promise.

This is a break, not a break-up. I would never break up with you. I do, in fact, love you. In a way I have never loved before.

So, thank you New York. Thank you for existing. Thank you for being a beacon of culture and light in America. Thank you for being kind and generous and exciting and beautiful. You fulfill every aspect of me and this will not be forgotten.

Love,

Iris

P.S. Is it ok if I call you for a booty call once and a while??