The decade that ruins every other decade

You were broke, confused, and crying in bathroom stalls. But somehow those were the best years of your life.

Dear unlearners

I often ask New Yorkers which decade was the best era in New York. Every single time, the answer is the decade when they were in their 20s. Most of the time, they don't even realize it.

I asked myself the same question.

My favorite time in New York was before the pandemic. People and things haven't felt the same after. Something is missing.

Then I realized my 30th birthday was a few days before quarantine kicked off. My favorite era of New York is when I was in my 20s.

This isn't just about New York. Ask anyone about their favorite decade in any city, and you'll get the same answer. The best time was always when they were young, broke, and stupid. There's a reason for that.

Your body hasn't betrayed you yet

In your 20s, your body is still on your side. You can drink until 3 AM, sleep for four hours, and somehow look decent at work. You can eat pizza for breakfast without your stomach staging a revolt.

Your back doesn't ache when you wake up. Your knees don't creak going up sta…