My Favorite Places to Cry in New York City (Some of Them are Free)
In 2019, Curbed published an article that detailed the best places to cry in New York City (https://ny.curbed.com/maps/new-york-places-to-cry-parks-landmarks ) and the Staten Island ferry was listed as number one. As a native New Yorker, I must refute this outlandish notion. I can safely say that I have the authority to take on such a controversial topic as I ride the ferry multiple times a week.
The Staten Island ferry is a highly subsidized i.e., free ride from the borough of Manhattan to Staten Island and back. Due to its lack of payment, everyone from commuters to tourists finds themselves on this mode of transportation at some point. There is always an abundance of human traffic.
When considering ideal locations for crying, I certainly do not think of the Staten Island ferry. A proper saline-freeing experience should, in my opinion, include a decent amount of privacy. Unless it is the middle of winter on the ferry deck, privacy is anything but abundant. One then also risks hypothermia as the wind freezes the tears upon release.
Where is the optimal place to cry in New York City?
I would like to suggest a number of locations and possibilities — the first being, the bus. Ideally, this would be in the MTA express bus system. The duration of the ride is long enough that a full cry session can be experienced, especially if no one is sitting next to you. This would mean avoiding the bus ride during the morning and evening rush hours. Put on that song that always prompts the quivering lower lip and stare out of the window at the beautiful scenery of street garbage and Ubers. If this is not a possibility (because who wants to pay $7 per ride), the local bus is next on the list. While the travel time is generally shorter, if you sit in the back, you should be safe from prying eyes.
Next up is the subway system. I have cried on the subway multiple times and you can too! A few weeks ago, I witnessed a man board the 4 train and sit next to another man with a small curly-haired dog. When man number 1 pet man number 2’s dog, his solemn demeanor lifted. Immediately I wondered if this was the best part of his day, week, or month, and as I relished in the beauty that animals bring to humans, tears involuntarily sprinted out of my eyelids. Luckily, I was all masked up and pulled the top of the mask up to my eyes so that the tears fell under the black fabric. Yes, that was another tip.
Lastly, I would recommend having a cry in the depths of Central Park — the areas where one can get lost. Find a path you have never traversed and continue walking until nothing looks familiar. Then, you will have reached the perfect spot. Find a nook and let it all out.
High-level tips include a steady flow of tissue packets, masks for masking emotion to the outside world, good walking shoes, and general dysthymia.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. It is, however, a good place to start.
