Friends,

Over the weekend, New York City and me agreed to an open relationship for the foreseeable future. After nearly 16 years together, we feel it's the best thing for us. The decision was mutual. I’d like to meet other cities, and New York wants to explore the swell of transplants it's put on hold for the last decade out of respect for me, which, personally, I think is a great idea; New Yorkers just aren't what they used to be, and the two of us suspect our exclusivity is to blame.

Anyhow, as you all know, in 2023 I lived abroad with my husband for 6½ months. This moderately lengthy departure was quite hard on New York initially; it didn't know what the fuck to do with itself and resented me for the separation. In turn I grew bitter towards it for its lack of patience and support. Gradually, though, we both acclimated to the space between us. Alone, New York began remembering important pieces of itself. And I had my own realizations while away in Barcelona and Mexico City.

Upon returning to Brooklyn, it became clear that New York and me had both changed, together and as individuals. New York no longer felt like my home, and it felt like I no longer embodied the spirit of a die-hard New Yorker. As you can imagine, the past year has been a painful, challenging one. New York and I want to make us work—whatever we are—more than anything. And we've fought hard to figure things out. After months of tough introspection and conversation, we know in our heart of hearts that in order to meaningfully evolve alongside one another, we must open up ourselves to others. So that's what we're doing.

This news may seem sudden and likely a bit awkward, but we felt strongly about being fully transparent with our closest friends. It's been New York ♡ Amna for so long that it's hard imagining anything else. But should things between us appear distant, strange, or different—and they soon will, I suspect—you'll know why.

Xoxo,
Amna

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