Getting by here in New York City isn’t easy. It takes guts, determination, and street smarts. It also takes a little help. Where would any self-respecting New Yorker be without a shoulder to cry on or a friend to rely on — not to mention a late-night food joint that they swear by?
Below, we’re singing the praises of the people, places, and stuff that New Yorkers can’t do without. These are the things, large and small, that help everyone stay stable, fulfilled, and (relatively) cheery in a city that sometimes feels like it’s out to get everyone.
Whether you’re celebrating with us or are scouring the list to see what’s missing from your own New York lifestyle, read on.
A favorite local pizza place (or other cheap food option)
You should probably be cooking at home, you know — it’s healthier. But it’s no secret that New Yorkers have a takeout and restaurant addiction. And if you’re going to be eating a bit too much takeout (and you are), then you should probably make sure that it’s affordable.
The great pizza places and Chinese restaurants of this massive city are the stuff of legends. But you don’t have to trek across town for your comfort food. Find a great local place that you can afford, and save yourself time and money. You’ll really feel at home when you eat in your favorite spot.
A slightly less great cheap food place that is open really, really late
It’s the city that never sleeps, but there’s a good chance your favorite pizza place may hang up that “Sorry, we’re closed” sign around 11 PM. That’s pretty late, but you’ll be out later once in a while — it’s New York, after all — which is why you need to keep a decent late-night spot on your radar too. It’s a must-have Plan B for when you want that food most.
A friend in another borough
New York City is more than just Manhattan (or Brooklyn, or wherever you are). But sticking around your neighborhood is a great way to feel like you really belong, and it’s easy to get in the habit of staying close to home.
Still, cities like this are for exploring. So make sure that you stay in touch with your buddy in Queens or your cousin in the Bronx. Exploring a different spot will do you good.
A great pair of headphones
Do you want to talk to strangers on the subway? No, of course not. Every self-respecting New Yorker spends a great deal of time with headphones on, because every self-respecting New Yorker knows that headphones are the universal symbol for “do not talk to me.” Get some comfortable ones with decent sound quality, and commute on the subway in peace.
A stylish outfit that makes you feel great
New York City is swarming with all kinds of people: tourists, professionals, harried parents, and so on. But there are parts of town that somehow seem to be populated exclusively by models. So get an outfit that you really, really love and feel you look good in, and bust it out when you’re heading to a part of town that might otherwise make you feel a little unglamorous.
You can do laundry in pajama shorts in Queens (or in Brooklyn or Manhattan — don’t let anyone tell you different), but it’s nice to have a secret weapon lying around in case you want to go clubbing in Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhoods or dining in a posh Manhattan spot.
A good therapist
New York City is stressful. Heck, life is stressful! And staying mentally strong and healthy isn’t something that’s easy to do on one’s own. Mental illnesses and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are all too common, and even the healthiest people have to deal with everyday issues like stress, communication within relationships, and the occasional poor night of sleep.
These are all good reasons to visit one of the many great New York therapists. Talk therapy styles like cognitive behavioral therapy are great for gaining a greater understanding of your own thought and behavioral patterns — and that, in turn, will help you better cope with stress, negative thinking, and the poor choices of others. If that sounds like a recipe for a better life in New York City, well, that’s because it is.