Breaking up is hard to do

To my first apartment:

Hello there, apartment 30. How are you holding up through all of this? I know this is hard. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it’s just the way it goes.

Today, I’m turning in my last rent check for you. A little over a year ago, I was moving my stuff in, couchless and ready for an adventure. You certainly broke me into the apartment lifestyle. Within a week I heard the first (of many) screaming matches between various occupants. Your paper-thin walls (which I was told were very decent) allowed me to be woken up every morning by my neighbor’s gospel singing.

Oh, did I mention the various resident managers who never stayed long enough to learn our names? It’s like you were my single mom who brought home a bunch of “uncles” that I was never supposed to get too attached to. There was Uncle Ben, Uncle Claudia, Uncle James, Uncle Cedric... For the last two months there has been no one because I guess word spread that you’re pretty unhinged.

You had an electric stove, which I’m not sure I could ever forgive you for. Also, your oven. It’s in the wall, it’s tiny, it’s cute. These are all facts. But I couldn’t fit a small chicken in you, which is also a fact. A fact that all of your cuteness cannot make up for.

Gosh, I’ve been complaining a lot, haven’t I? I’m sorry, it’s just that sometimes you make me so mad. But I don’t want to end things on a bitter note. For all your faults, you will always be the first apartment Ryan and I ever shared together. When we’re an old married couple, and our grandkids gather ‘round and ask us about “our story”, you can rest assured I’ll tell them about the many times we were surprised to turn on the shower and find no hot water. Oh, am I complaining again? Sorry.

In conclusion, apartment 30, this is bittersweet. I swear I have good memories with you. If nothing else, thank you for helping validate that I could live on my own. Thanks for showing me all the ways I can improve, and for giving me so many ideas of what to look for in my next place. I promise I will never forget you.

Sincerely,
Trina