You Never Forget Your First

One's first time is scary, thrilling, exhausting.

And it seems like a lot of people's first time involves crying. Mine did. It also contained auditioning for NYU's Tisch School of the Arts dance program and forcing Mama Fitz to walk up and down Fifth Avenue with me, hoping to see Miranda Priestly. I'm going to say that that is normal.

Let's just get real: the first visit to New York City is overwhelming. Tall buildings which seemingly stunt your sense of direction, hoards of people shoving past you, COMMUTING UNDERGROUND!?!?

Now that I'm living here ~for real~, I've not only been getting questions about moving here, but there have been tons of first-city visits, and I know more are on the way. As their friend, I am happy to take on the role of their host. My obsession with this city is well-known, so why not indulge in being a tourist with them for a weekend? I even like showing them around Times Square. YUP.

There are things you can do as the visitor to make sure you have the best experience. Or at least prevent crying.

It's Not Like The Movies
Without even realizing it, there seems to be this pressure of wanting and expecting your first trip to be like everything you've seen in films and TV shows. For Gossip Girl fans, it's being whisked to fancy gala by Nate Archibald. For Home Alone 2 fans, it's a week-long stay at the Plaza. These most likely won't happen, especially on your first trip to the city.

Length DOES Matter
NYC apartments are small, which makes long stays kind of tricky. What constitutes a long stay? Quite honestly, more than three or four days. If you think you can't accommodate someone for longer than that, sweetly suggest an AirBnB - we all know how expensive hotels are.

Respect Each Other
Living and working full time in NYC means NYC is now home which means most evenings I'm in bed eating pasta and watching Netflix. Visiting NYC means NYC is exciting and new which means on most days you want to be discovering the hidden gems and everything else this fabulous city has to offer. Both are valid. Both need to be respected. Both need to be balanced.

A Word About Protection
A common concern about the city is safety. If you find yourself alone in the city (sightseeing, meeting other friends, etc.), my best advice is: be alert. And even if you are scared shitless, act like you know what you're doing. Fake it til you make it. Sure, you can bring pepper spray, but trust your instincts, be aware, and be fearless.

Spontaneity is Key
I highly recommend making a list of "must-sees" before you get to NYC. Don't worry about if they're "touristy", they're famous for a reason, right? Prioritize them so you can make sure to see them. Everything else is icing on the cake. And in my experience, the icing seems to be the best part. The unplanned moments. The spontaneous moments. The tequila shot-taking before watching the incredible "Here Lies Love". The googling of "bands playing in NYC tonight" and finding your new favorite band at Brooklyn Bowl. The night snow-playing in Central Park's Bethesda Fountain.

Those moments are why you never forget your first.