I have a lot of friends from Chicago and the reason is that it's efficient. You just get off a plane, introduce yourself to one person, feel the vibe and congrats, now you have 8 friends from Chicago: your friend, six of their cousins, and their best friend from pre-K.

You also have three new moms and possibly a dad who is just an uncle who fulfills more than his obligations as a good person, "UNLIKE SOME MEN" (quote from your third new mom).

This is true of every possible background of person from Chicago. I have tried it with a veritable United Nations of Chicagoans. This is their way.

I don't know why they are like this. It might be because they need to share a limited supply of sweatpants during the winter aka 75% of the year. I know that's a hacky Chicago joke but it's also true. Also why are they naked once it is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A strange people.

The most Chicago shit that every happened to me was that I emailed somebody I'd literally met twice in NYC to see if they wanted to hang when I came through town and they immediately invited me to their wedding. It was amazing! That is how they are.

They're often very funny and very smart but also I appreciate how straightforward they are about certain things.

"Where is your historic gay section of town?"

"Oh, that's Boystown."

Got it, Homosexualburgh was taken, this is all fine, why am I frozen, give me carbs.

Everything has salt and several forms of carb, Chicago is the finest city from a culinary perspective. But then also why is there a legit critically acclaimed sushi restaurant at the big airport. This is wild.

Also if your first friend from Chicago defriends you they are truly fucked because if you've been friends for more than six minutes you've already dated their cousin and trauma bonded with their mom and opened a business with their sister.

Anyway, Chicago is just so great and I love people from Chicago. There is no reason for this thread except it feels necessary to say! Good day to you from Los Angeles, it is 103 degrees in my neighborhood and I love it here too.