That’s one of my favorite things about this City, besides the chock-full of culture, history, and fan fare. There is a unique commonality between us folks that share space here. This type of conversation with a stranger is a bit awkward yet somehow natural. He then answers, “Good question. My wife loves to sleep late and I’m an early riser. She knows one of my passions is to take random pics of park-goers and she has no problem with me doing what I love while she gets to do what she loves. Besides, I have to soak up as much of New York as I can in the short time we are here.” I smile in awe noting how impressive it is to hear Alex’s simple sentiment regarding when a couple is in sync with their differences and needs, compromising for their benefit. A rarity these days for couples, if you ask me. Strangely enough, I feel more at ease now talking with Alex since there is no pick-up pressure that usually occurs when the XX and XY chromosomes interact. It’s refreshing when you can just be yourself with no eminence front.
As Alex dwells on his past growing up in upper middle-class suburbia, I listen in cut-from-the-same-thread admiration. We both recall how great it was to watch MTV after school when the channel actually played videos and educated you on the artist’s sound and vision. In my opinion, MTV used to be an extraordinary and innovative channel. Now it’s just a blended reality mess. We joke about how we never had play dates; you hung out with your friends until dusk and returned home for dinner. That was the rule and you followed same. Riding your bicycle sans helmet, if you took a fall, you suffered the pain and showed the scars to prove it. Playing sports without all the new safety requirements. How $1 bought you a bag of candy. Growing up in a world with no cell phones or Internet, utilizing a superlative little dwelling known as a Library. We both agree that, although we love and are fascinated with the latest technology, experiencing living with both options, the prior wasn’t bad at all. In fact, it was pretty damn good.
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