It took three years of being standoffish, cranky and sometimes downright rude, but patience and stubbornness won out: I've finally been swept off my feet.
Growing up on the east coast, I was predisposed to hate Toronto -- or Upper Canada, as we like to call it there, which really seems to rile up the Come From Aways.
It's big. It's fast-paced. The people aren't always all that nice. The air quality sucks. And I can go weeks without seeing a tree.
My first three years here, I disliked the city profusely. I dreamed of moving to Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal, or, even, in a moment of desperation, Oromocto. Anywhere but here, I thought.
I was lonely. I was bored. And while work was going well, things in the big city weren't exactly the adventure I'd hoped for after reading a few too many of those young girl makes good, coming of age tales.
Admittedly, that time wasn't filled with lazy days strolling shops after a morning at the St. Lawrence Market or evenings enjoying the many excellent cocktails the city has to offer. Turns out you can be miserable and sit, crabby in an apartment anywhere in the world. And while you can blame the city for it, complaining about how grumpy everyone is in Toronto doesn't do a whole lot to fix it.
After my life melted down, there was nothing left to tie me here, other than my job. I got to keep a few friends in the split, but with family out east and very few worldly possessions, the world really was my oyster.
But then, like that sweet guy friend waiting in the wings for you to realize that your current fella is a jerk (seriously dudes - just make a move!), Toronto pulled out all the stops and swept me off my feet.
Gorgeous weather. Long walks. Adventures and exploring, causing a slight addiction to lemonade ice teas -- followed by white peppermint mochas now that the mercury has dropped - and a nearly constant hankering for custom cookies. Watching the city lights turn on at night. Concerts, bars, beverages, dancing, music, boys, and oh, the shoe shopping.
I was doomed to fall head over heels from the beginning. True love was there in front of me the whole time, I just wasn't ready to see it. And now, while that new romance sheen has started to fade and the cracks have begun to show - that breeze off the lake is enough to make anyone dream of warmer climes - somewhere along the line I wordlessly slipped into full blown commitment with Toronto. And we couldn't be happier.
Growing up in Toronto, I couldn't wait to leave. After four years in Kingston, time overseas, and five years in Vancouver, I came back. I remember dreading the return. But like you, I fell in love with the city again once I opened up to it. It's a great place to live.
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