Florida was good to me and perfect for my 20’s. I started my career, found romance, made friends, and all amongst the palm trees. But after 5 years in Orlando I wanted something new, so I went to Atlanta in 2019. Of course, I only got to experience the city for a year before getting to experience the lovely pandemic we all know too well. I spent all of that year like many of you– lonely, depressed, and gaming with (mostly) internet friends.

Work slowed down dramatically, and I felt I should be with family, so I went back to Florida in 2021 and got a place in the West side this time, near Tampa, to experience the beach life. This ended up being really healing and healthy for me, so it was the right move. I ended up making a good chunk of friends in Tampa for random outings which was great. I also had the opportunity to do a family trip in Aruba during this time, which I felt shifted something positive inside of me spiritually.

A few days after that trip, I was in a long-distance relationship with someone I met in Atlanta, and yeah you guessed it, I ended up moving back to the ATL in 2022. We are no longer together, but I remember telling myself that even if it doesn’t work out, Atlanta is a great city. Sometimes I miss Florida but then I think about how humid it is, how much the sun hates me, and how annoying all the tourists are. Plus, dating in Florida as a liberal has its challenges. So, Atlanta it is.