11 Comments
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Elena's avatar

Thanks for this piece! Absolutely hits home. I have lived in my apartment in Chelsea for 4 years and every year have the same struggle of whether to move out as it becomes more and more expensive. Great piece about how we can infuse parts of ourselves into our home, but also how our home infuses itself into us. I'd never seen any writing on this specific type of heartbreak, it was soothing and beautiful to hear.

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Annika's avatar

Loved reading this. The place you live in is often so much more than just a roof over your head. My first apartment that had a separate bedroom was THE place for me. A safe haven where I could be me without hesitation. Thanks for writing! 🧡

I do have a question though, maybe a stupid one: But is it normal (legal) for rental agreements to only last a year or so in the US and then the rent gets higher with each year? I am from Germany where that is completely illegal and once you sign a rental agreement the rent you have signed for is set, it cannot get higher just because you lived there longer. I just find it insane that this is the norm?!

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

Wow I LOVE your place Angelina! That dining area is perfection!

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emily north's avatar

PINK KITCHEN FOREVER

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emily north's avatar

😭😭😭😭😭😭

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Grace Barker's avatar

What a wonderful writer you are, Angelina!

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Natalie's avatar

I am also dreading my lease renewal, because despite my best efforts...I might have to move for real this time. Apartments are homes and I love how you talk so kindly about yours. Washington Square Park is my favorite. Congratulations!!! I am wishing you forever in your apartment.

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Emily Parsons's avatar

This piece made me nostalgic for my own little Brooklyn apartment that I've lived in now for... 7 years! It's also been a constant in my life, full of life and memories. Congrats on the Brooklinen sponsor! Best towels :)

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nina's avatar

You never cease to amaze me. So proud. So you!

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Swathi Reddy's avatar

This essay resonated so deeply with me! I also adore my current apartment. A home that holds pieces collected over many years: art both gifted and purchased, overflows of books, treasures from decades of traveling.

Similarly, I just renewed for a third time. You expressed the frustration of sending a counteroffer so accurately (I, too, dread receiving the annual lease renewal). Being ignored, often for weeks, and multiple follow-ups eventually resulting in a form-letter style rejection. And yet to move seems … unfathomable. I just sent back my renewal this week. Sigh, there’s always next year I suppose.

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emily's avatar

I totally feel this. I just moved into my dream apartment in January and I'm never leaving!!! (for now)

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