People In New York Don't Love Life, They Love New York

I was talking to an old friend the other day who lives in Brooklyn.  This friend and I shared years of exploration and adventure in New York City.  I told him that nobody I talked to in New York these days sounded like they were enjoying life.  The tone of their voices on the other side of the receiver always carried a hint of stress, anxiety and mild if not heavy depression.  He responded to me with "fool, people in New York don't love life, they love New York!"  I couldn't have said it any better and I completely agree.  People who choose to dwell in the Big Apple are choosing to sacrifice a certain quality of life just for the privilege to be living there.  I am strictly referring to young people who are struggling professionally and financially.  This need not apply to the super rich.  On top of financial stress, everything, and I mean every little thing in New York takes energy, concentration, stamina and an inkling of nurtured urban intelligence if not straight up genius.  One major difference that I have noticed in myself living here in LA is that I am generally relaxed and care free whenever leaving my apartment for a full day of activity and errands.  This was not the case in New York.  In New York, before even considering going outside, I remember spending sometimes up to an hour going over a check list in my mind making sure that I had absolutely everything that I might need for up to several days of on-foot urban travel.  In New York it is never certain as to when exactly you might return to your apartment so it is imperative that you have the adequate clothing, equipment and tools to get you through anything from extreme fluctuating temperatures (while maintaining your personal style at all times, indoors and out) to unpredictable circumstances (subway delays or breakdowns, impromptu professional, social, sexual or romantic encounters etc) that might leave you stranded for who knows how long in a distant and unfamiliar borough.  Reliable reading material, music, video games, communication devices, lip balm, breath fresheners, weapons, water and snacks are just some things that must be carried on your body at all times.  Everyday is a backpacking adventure.  In my opinion this type of effort nurtures ones urban intelligence, sharpens the mind and toughens the shell.  That's why at first glance Californians appear to be total pussy's to New Yorkers, because they have not developed any armor and cannot be taken seriously as warriors.  But the point I was trying to make was that life in New York (for the financially challenged mind you) is strenuous and in order to throw yourself into that situation, which I personally did (and loved every second of by the way), the love for the city must be stronger then any expectations for a certain quality of life.  It's a powerful force that draws people to New York, it's a powerful force that eventually transforms into unconditional love.