Lone-Star-State

People say 'If you can make it in NY, you can make it Anywhere.' What I want to know is how does being lonely, broke, and cold mean you are 'making it?'

Last weekend most of my University friends were back at school celebrating together, and I wish I could have been there. I have come down with some kind of cold and am hoping it's not swine flu or worse, but then again I do ride public transportation multiple times daily. And, when you see a woman literally holding a pigeon in Soho it does make you wonder how sanitary just about everything in this city is?

I can't seem to wrap my head around the concept, that there are so many freaking people in such a small space....yet, I have so much trouble meeting new ones. I understand that you can meet people through work, but considering how little time I'm actually in the office, that most of the women I work with are not my age, and that what few men are around are mostly gay...I'm not really doing myself any favors in the match making department and even friends to have drinks with after work seem slim. I have a few individual friends in the city, the majority of which have all entered serious/some-what serious relationships within the last month. So, with that said....I'm Lonely.

It's been knocking on my door for a few weeks now, but with friends visiting and warm air still outside I was pushing past the 'lonely-newcomer-feeling.' This is a feeling not unknown to someone who went to school a 13 hour drive away from home and dance camps in a different city every summer. Within the last week the temperature has dropped 20 degrees and there's no doubting that the lack of a 'big spoon' (i.e. someone to cuddle with) is setting in.

I am undeniably lonely and can't find a solution. I spend time with old friends and hop on any chance to meet new ones, but everyone here is on their own agenda. There is no group of friends to settle myself into, or other random newcomers looking for people to play with. The other problem is that most activities such as eating, drinking, movies, theatre, museums, and shopping which comprise NY life (esp. in winter when the parks and wandering aimlessly become treacherous) cost serious bucks. Fun things I would do to occupy my time alone or with someone else have suddenly become off-limits, or at the very most only done in moderation.

So, when time is not on my side, do I look for a new hobby? Do I start handing my number to locals on the subway each morning, like one friend suggested? Or, do I continue trucking along until fate lends a hand, or my time here runs up?