I've been in Savannah for a year! A year and a month at this point, technically. I've had few people ask me questions about moving out of New York and I can confidently tell them, "It was the right choice for me." My wise friend Sam put it best. She said, "Look. You think you hate New York. You have to move. You'll either move and be happier, or you'll move and miss New York and you can come back happier." She was right. I was stuck in this unhealthy "the grass is greener" mentality. It's scary to leave friends, but I'm really proud of myself. I'm a big believer that you're responsible for your own happiness, and I wasn't happy in New York.
My first few months here, I could feel my icy New Yorker shell slowly melt. It was this crust that always made me expect the worst of every stranger and hold myself in constant competition with everyone. Slowly I had to learn that people just say "good morning" here and they aren't trying to rob me.
However, I also tell my friends "My decision might not be the right decision for you." I know when I'm happiest. It's when I'm quietly drawing, or reading comics, or laughing at some goofy Youtube video. It's when I can design my own little world. I'm good at being alone. I need it. For me, living in a place where I can afford to live alone is perfect. But that's not everyone! Some people are way more social than me. They're happiest when surrounded by a big group of friends at a party, or at a concert. I kinda hate parties and concerts. I do miss my friends, but I still feel connected through all the dumbs memes I send them. I actually felt a hell of lot lonelier when I lived in New York and saw Instagrams of friends hanging out without me. Now I'm just living my best life.
I renewed my lease to be in this apartment for another year, but I'm thinking next year I'll look into buying a house....