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Cait Kady's avatar

Someone I follow on IG (@thebackstageblonde) works as a Broadway dresser on various shows and leads theater district tours, and literally lives in Times Square. Work wise it makes sense for her and she's very into the history of all the buildings, theaters etc. I do love when people have enthusiasm for unusual things, and I also love that you are not so cynical as to just 100% make fun of someone who says that.

I live in Washington Heights and am thankful to be in a calmer part of the city, but being in Times Square never gets old - not walking, but the moment with a good view, in the dark, after a show. It just reminds me I live in a really cool city even if I rarely even leave my neighborhood.

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Colleen Clark's avatar

Ok so as a former New Yorker of ten years who also had to work there before Conde Nast moved downtown, I deeply understand the loathing. Being trapped amid slow walkers in the fetid stench of tourist BO and steaming trash while hungover and late to work is the seventh circle of hell. BUT as a nine year old musical theater geek getting off the bus from Allentown Pennsylvania and seeing those bright lights for the first time, I get people's excitement.

It's bold, it's brash, it's chaotic, it's over-the-top and in-your-face. It's the spirit of so much of NYC but in its crassest, most commercial form. I think the way to love (or at least tolerate) Times Square is to go rarely and allow yourself the same sense of wonder and awe that you do in nature. Look at this wild place! Look at what humans can make! Think of all of the wanting and yearning and dreaming and making that's happened here. Then get the hell downtown and get yourself a drink. You earned it.

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